Shaw encourages greater use of flour made from local produce

From left, Hon Audley Shaw, Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, in discussion with Prof. Stephen Vascianne, President of the University of Technology (UTech) and Derrick Nembhard, Managing Director of Jamaica Flour Mills Ltd (J.F. Mills), at J.F. Mills’ annual baking seminar held at UTech in Kingston on July 23. Tthis year’s seminar is focusing on teaching bakers how to reduce the amount of sugar they incorporate into their baked goods without compromising on quality or losing shelf life, in keeping with Government’s thrust for consumers to reduce their sugar intake.

Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, the Hon. Audley Shaw, has welcomed the idea of increased use of local produce such as cassava and sweet potato in the milling of flour.

The Minister noted this proposed expansion in the offering of flour, currently being contemplated by industry players, while addressing the Opening Ceremony of the Healthy Options in Baked Goods Seminar held Monday, July 23 at the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, University of Technology (UTech) in Kingston.

The annual baking seminar was hosted by Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)-/Jamaica Flour Mills, with the main objective being, this year, to equip bakers with formulation options to reduce the sugar content in their baked products. This is geared at aligning the baking industry with Government’s thrust to reduce the impact of too much sugar in the diet.

Minister Shaw congratulated both the ADM/Jamaica Flour Mills and UTech for their collaboration in addressing the issue of excessive use of sugar and made particular reference to sugary drinks such as bag juice, which is popular in Jamaican schools.

In this regard, Minister Shaw urged school administrators and tuck shops to prepare for the restriction on sugary drinks that will take effect in January 2019.

“The truth,” Minister Shaw said, “is that bag juice is basically sugar and water, and the Minister (of Health) has announced a new protocol that is going to be applied to what is allowed to be sold and consumed in our schools.”
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