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With the weakened state of the world economy since 2008, Jamaica cannot afford to lose opportunities for trade due to non-compliance with foreign laws. There is a lot that needs to be done however as Jamaica prepares for the full enforcement of the FSMA. For example, the Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Dr. Christopher Tufton, reported that less than 20% of Jamaican Exporters Association (JEA) members who export food-related items to the US, are certified. For the Jamaican food industry and export markets to thrive under the FSMA, a carefully planned and multilateral approach is necessary, involving the different ministries of government, their daughter agencies and of course local food processors and manufacturers.
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The Act will be implemented in phases, the last of which will take effect in December 2012.
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The FSMA noticeably mentions that an establishment producing, handling and transporting foods for export must: Ensure that all foods entering the US meet FDA food standards under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act of 1938 Demonstrate that it meets the requirements of any other applicable FDA regulations under which a particular food is monitored Have their products tested and approved by an accredited laboratory Document and implement Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems Update their systems every two years or sooner if a change in suppliers, processes or ingredients have been made Maintain documents for a minimum of 2 years and do further record keeping if a particular food item is considered to be of a higher risk (e.g. seafood) Demonstrate their ability to track a product (origin and destination), and issue recalls where necessary Share food safety plans with the FDA if requested
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Considering that Jamaica shipped foods valued at USD 118 million to the US in 2010, the FSMA is slated to have a great impact on the formal food sector here in Jamaica. We have already been put on notice by the FDA, which has advised the Jamaican government that audits of selected Jamaican food processing operations will occur between January and December of 2012 .
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Boosted Efforts in Food Safety
Quality by any other name...
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Continued from page 1
... is Quality just the same.
The Mission of the Bureau of Standards is to promote producers, facilitate trade and protect cons metrology and regulatory services through visionar committed, motivated and pr
TC Focus
Energy Efficienc
The Energy Efficiency Technical Committee Report Ca
The 2011 Standards Symposium - 11 Oct. 2011 at the Knutsford Court
First Convened:
June 2011
The Technical Committee Appreciation Luncheon 2011 12 Oct. 2011 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel
Committee Scope and Objectives:
To: (a) review and revise Jamaican standar ity (b) develop / adopt / adapt international equipment and appliances such as solar w units, lighting and refrigeration units.
Anticipated National Impact:
To: (a) improve conservation and ene (b) reduce harmful emissions, (c) ultimately on imported oil, (d) support the National energy security to producers and consum and price stability.
Stakeholders Represented:
Over 25 members. Organizations represe Jamaica Limited, the Petroleum Corporatio Indies (Mona), Citrad Limited, the Ministry o
The National Quality Awards (NQA) - 13 Oct. 2011 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel The Jamaica Standards Network (JSN) - 27 Oct. 2011 at the Bureau of Standards Jamaica The BSJ / UWI 2011 Starch Conference - 5 & 6 Dec. 2011 at the Mona Visitors‛ Lodge and Conference Centre The 14th Plenary Meeting of ISO / TC 93 - 8 & 9 Dec. 2011 at the Mona Visitors‛ Lodge and Conference Centre
The Bureau of Standards Congratulates
The Devon Resource Centre for
Its commitment to Quality Agricultural Products and Practices
The Devon Resource Centre has been enrolled in the Certification of Agricultural Produce (CAP) Programme.
The Certification of Agricultural Produce (CAP) Programme recognizes operations and / or commodities that demonstrate conformance to world class standards of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), quality, safety and the observance of environmentally friendly protocols. For information regarding the CAP Programme contact the Standards Development and Certification Department at the Bureau of Standards Jamaica. Tel: (876) 619-1131 or (876) 632-4275, Fax: (876) 929-4736, you can also email us at info@bsj.org.jm
e the international competitiveness of Jamaican sumers by providing standardization, ry leadership, consultations, teamwork and a rofessional workforce.
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rds for energy efficient applicabilal energy efficiency standards for water heaters, air conditioning
ergy management techniques, y lessen Jamaica’s dependence Energy Policy and (e) provide mers including security of supply
ented included: Atlantic Solar Limited, Courts Jamaica Limited, Singer on of Jamaica, the University of Technology, the University of the West of Mining and Energy, Jamaica Institution of Engineers and many others.
Why Small Businesses Should Pay Close Attention to Standards Transforming a passion into a profession can be a rewarding venture that anyone can achieve. From concept to creation, molding your very own business is quite literally a labour of love, a manifestation of your creativity with the rewards of personal independence and the possibility of financial security. Enthusiasm for an idea and an assiduous nature however, do not make a prosperous business; strategic planning and proper execution are far more important. As any good businessman (or woman) will say, the secret to entrepreneurial success is putting your customers first by creating a reproducible experience or product that challenges expectations. The move from potential to praiseworthy product therefore demands that a set of systems governing quality be firmly established and diligently applied. If the gateway to business success is in fact customer satisfaction, then subscribing to standards relevant to your trade is quite possibly, the single most effective approach to meeting your goals. Here’s why:
Standards level the playing field between you and your competition. This is particularly important in an
industry where the little guy may be elbowed out of a market by much larger or more influential competitors. Your rivals may have more resources, but customers could care less about this when faced with a choice between yours and theirs. Your offense is quality.
Adherence to standards opens new opportunities for trade. Your demonstrated commitment to value and safety will be recognized with accessibility to international markets where the exoticism or uniqueness of your commodity may fetch premium prices. Jamaican jerk sauces, our spirits and wines and canned ackees have all been met with similar demand by loyal patrons abroad.
Standards drive efficiency;
assisting you in reaching operational heights you could only have imagined. More effective
production plans, reduced labour costs, overall good business practices and up-to-date quality systems are only a few of the attainable gems found in standards.
Avoid the temptation of saying “…but this is how we’ve always done it”; because businesses that fail to adapt or constantly improve eventually end up as roadside ruins on the street to success.
Standards are informed by consumers.
Make no mistake, the average consumer knows what he wants, and is magnetically drawn to quality. As standards reflect the input of all affected stakeholder, including consumers, where better to fashion the specifications of what you wish to offer! With the participation of other knowledgeable stakeholders, standards add credibility to your product or service, ultimately translating into consumer confidence. In the business world, your reputation is your calling card. Don’t leave it to chance; do all that is within your power to effect the changes that will aid you in realizing your dreams for your enterprise.
It all begins with standards! Published Decemeber 2011
Poetry Corner
Munchie’s Munchie’s Mission Mission
After years in the private sector, I had reached the end of my rope. Always passed for promotions, my career was void of hope. I was fresh out of ideas, not knowing what direction to take. Until I spoke to a childhood friend, whose simple advice was to bake. “Remember when we were younger, you made the tastiest bread. Why not start your own bakery, instead of returning to routine and dread.”
MUNCHIE’S BAKERY
Sure! I was a great baker, I admit without conceit or pride. Selling homemade pastries, and catering a bit on the side. Eight months later I made all the preps, and hired a staff of four. Financial security around the corner, success near my door.
Munchie is on the path to success with her enrollment in the National Certification Mark Programme (CMP). The Programme offers two distinguishing Marks of quality:
The Product Certification Mark ...signifies that a specific consumer item meets a defined set of requirements for that product as specified in selected standards.
But business started bumpy, breaches and a customer complaint. With my dead-end, sad old job, would I soon have to reacquaint? “The cheesecakes never taste the same,” a grievance read, in bold. “Fix your procedures, and aim for quality,” the note continued to scold. Well mama never raised any fools so I started over clean. Noting all they had to say, the good, the bad, the obscene. I hired an auditor, read his report, and followed his guidance through and through. I took the time to make the improvements, and teach best practices to my crew. I called the BSJ to be registered, their inspection a mere formality. Our operation had dramatically grown, obvious value and quality. Impressed by my effort, they mentioned the National Certification Mark. Could this be another mission upon which my business should embark? I called the BSJ once more, paper and pencil in hand. To hear the steps I must follow, to achieve this coveted brand. The quality Mark for Product, my bakery soon achieved. Surpassing all goals for service, I breathed a sigh of relief.
The Plant Certification Mark
With such success I have more schemes, and a plan I will unfurl. Export my pastries to the UK, Munchie’s Bakery…to the worl’!
...is earned for the efficiency and consistency of a business’s processes and practices in supplying products that comply with applicable standards.
The CMP recognizes operations committed to offering quality products and service(s) to its clients. For more information regarding the National Certification Mark, contact the Programme’s coordinator Mrs. Elaine Edwards - tel (876) 470 - 6945, email: eedwards@bsj.org.jm, or visit our website at www.bsj.org.jm
Triathalon Edition (The Weights and Measures Act of _ _ _ _ + The year of Hurricane Gilbert) - 328 # ##
of Parishes in Jamaica
-
?
Rearrange letter in the word:
to make:
24 words with 4 letters or more and at least 2 words with 7 letters
clue: palindromic / symmetrical answer
Published Decemeber 2011