JCC urges gov't to reconsider corned beef ban, says impact has been significant

The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) is urging the government to reconsider the ban on corned beef, saying the impact of the measure on businesses has been significant.

According to JCC president, Larry Watson, the government should instead allow distributors of corned beef to continue their trade once they can provide evidence that their suppliers are not involved in the rotten meat scandal in Brazil and that their products are safe.

Watson says none of the meat producers in Brazil that supply JCC members in the distribution of corned beef here are involved in the rotten meat scandal.

And he says members have provided evidence to the government to verify that their suppliers are not involved in the scandal.

In the meantime, a technical team left the island today for Brazil to inspect processing facilities that supply Jamaica with corned beef.

The team comprises representatives from the Veterinary Services Division, Public Health Department, the Bureau of Standards, the Consumer Affairs Commission and representatives of corned beef importers.