KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica says it has increased surveillance of all imported iceberg lettuce, other leafy vegetables, and fruits originating in or transiting through the United States amid the outbreak of the diarrhoea-causing parasite, Cyclospora.
“This is necessary because Jamaica permits the importation of a variety of plant products, including fruits and vegetables, for both the domestic market and the hotel and hospitality sector,” the Ministry of Agriculture said in a statement.
“In addition, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Consumer Affairs Commission, the National Compliance and Regulatory Authority, the Jamaica Customs Agency, and other relevant regulatory entities, will enhance surveillance at Jamaica’s ports of entry for products identified in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalls or food safety advisories,” it added.
The ministry said that the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that, as of July 18, there have been 1,644 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, including 94 hospitalisations.
It said that based on available reports several illnesses have been linked to shredded iceberg lettuce distributed through a commercial supply chain and that the outbreak remains active and under investigation by the CDC and the FDA.
The FDA has since issued a recall notice for a specific brand of shredded iceberg lettuce due to suspected Cyclospora contamination and has expanded traceback investigations, product sampling, and border screening activities as part of the ongoing investigation.
The ministry said that given the uncertainties surrounding the ongoing outbreak in the US, pending further information from US authorities and the completion of the traceback investigation, the Plant Quarantine and Produce Inspection Branch (PQPIB), which regulates the importation of plants and plant products into Jamaica, has strengthened its monitoring of imports of plant products that may pose a potential risk of Cyclospora contamination.
It said that the PQPIB also continues to review all consignments of imported iceberg lettuce, other leafy vegetables, and fruits originating in or transiting through the United States to verify the validity of traceability documentation and compliance with Jamaica’s import requirements.
The ministry said it will continue to monitor developments closely and will provide timely updates should additional public health measures become necessary.
