THE Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) on Wednesday said it has, in recent weeks, detained 10 shipments of imported toilet tissues, including three which have tested positive for high bacterial load.

In a statement, the entity said the "high bacteria load is indicative of poor manufacturing practices, which could pose a risk to health and safety.

"This is substantiated by [the] Ministry of Health, [which is] now undertaking to increase surveillance of local manufacturers of toilet tissue and paper hand towels to ensure compliance to good manufacturing practices," the Bureau said.

It also said it had been, "in communication (with) the Jamaica Customs Department regarding the quality of toilet tissue and paper hand towel imports, intensified its inspection and testing regimes, not only on imports of these products, but also products manufactured locally".

With regards to the faulty tissue, the BSJ said the importer "will be required to either re-export or destroy the product".

"Where destruction is selected, the BSJ monitors the process. Four shipments have been given full releases due to satisfactory results; testing of the remaining three is still ongoing," the BSJ said.

The BSJ said it will continue its comprehensive market survey of these products in its quest to ensure the health and safety of the Jamaican population.