BSJ now trying to play catch-up
Dear Editor,
The Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) has been issuing public advisories that, as of July 1, we should desist from purchasing sugar that is not properly packaged and labelled for our consumption.
Although this directive is long overdue, we should comply mainly for the fact that we have been taking some serious risks over many years, since we really do not know what established standards, if any, are being observed when these cornershop and supermarket workers stay in the back rooms and package sugar for sale.
I have heard frightening stories about the environment in which the packers prepare the sugar for the shelves which would turn one's stomach.
They use instruments that, by keen observation, could never conform to acceptable standards. It disturbs me, but I am curious: What do these packers do when sweat runs down their faces and arms? How is the sugar stored after it is trucked to the retailers? Is the environment clean and free from rodents and insects?
Based on my experience, the conditions in some of these retail outlets leave much to be desired.
There is a case to be made here. However, the BSJ's negligence in expeditiously treating with this matter is of serious concern.
Imagine my utter disbelief and surprise that the BSJ, the regulator with the responsibility of ensuring that what we consume is always safe, finally decides to act now.
The BSJ should have long effected compliance and enforcement in ensuring that we are protected. I would think that, based on its demonstrable negligence in this regard, we may very well be suffering the deleterious health effects of the unsealed sugar.
We should be far advanced in setting and maintaining the standards for the public's safety, particularly when it comes to packaged food. On the contrary, the BSJ is only now trying to play catch-up.
How will the BSJ police the substandard sugar that is on the thousands of cornershop and supermarket shelves across Jamaica? What will become of it?
The BSJ has been less than proactive in safeguarding our health and safety. It has certainly not, based on its snail's pace approach to this matter, demonstrated that it is a regulator that we can repose trust and confidence in.
Should we accept the 'new norm' and leave the protection of our health and safety on the line?
Will we ever see effective and consistent regulation in this country?
Dujon Russell
dujon.russell@yahoo.com
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