Pesticide Research and Microbiology Labs Get Food Testing Accreditation

The Pesticide Research Laboratory (PRL) and the Microbiology Laboratory of the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) have been certified to international standards to conduct tests to ensure food safety.

The certificates of accreditation in the Food Testing Scope were presented by the  Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC),  during a ceremony held on Thursday (October 22) at the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce in New Kingston.

The awards bring to five, the number of accreditations offered by the seven-year- old JANAAC for 2015.

PRL, the only pesticide research laboratory in Jamaica, is a part of the University of  the West Indies and has been certified to conduct tests for pesticide residue in foods. As a JANAAC accredited lab, results from PRL are now accepted globally, facilitating exportation of local and regional products.

The BSJ Microbiology Lab has been accredited to test for microorganisms in food.

Portfolio Minister, Hon. Anthony Hylton, in his remarks at the presentation ceremony held in the Ministry’s Training Room, said the awardees are shining examples of the Government’s commitment to quality and service.

He said he is particularly pleased that PRL took the initiative to obtain accreditation, as it provides a critical service in determining the level of pesticide residue in agricultural and environmental samples.

He further noted that accreditation is a critical component of a strengthened National Quality Infrastructure (NQI), which is critical to the development of a logistics-centred economy.

“A strengthened NQI means that the products and services developed in Jamaica and tests conducted by our laboratories are trusted internationally. It means realising the full benefits of the National Export Strategy,” he said.

The Minister commended JANAAC for the important work it is doing to actively utilise international, regional and national standards as the criteria for its accreditations.

JANAAC, an agency of the Ministry, has a mandate to facilitate trade between Jamaica and its partners by enabling Jamaica’s Conformity Assessment System to meet international standards and the World Trade Organization’s (WTO’s) Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade.

The agency delivers targeted training programmes to international quality and accreditation standards, aimed at producing well-trained and competent professionals.