Import Licences for Romaine Lettuce Suspended Following E. coli Outbreak in the USA

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, through its Plant Quarantine and Produce Inspection Branch, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health’s Public Health Division,  has immediately suspended the issuing of permits for the importation of Romaine lettuce from the United States. Imports now in transit will also be seized for destruction upon arrival in Jamaica.

 The import suspension comes in the wake of the outbreak of E. coli in the lettuce in 11 USA States. Consumers in the USA and Canada have been asked to immediately desist from consuming the product until further notice.

E. coli bacteria pose a serious public health concern and the suspension of the importation of Romaine lettuce is a necessary and urgent step to protect the health of local consumers.

The suspension of import permits for Romaine lettuce will be enforced until further notice.

Under the Consumer Protection Act, consumers are therefore to refrain from purchasing or consuming IMPORTED Romaine Lettuce until further notice. If you have purchased same in the market, discard it IMMEDIATELY or return the package to the grocery store for a full refund. For further instruction and advice consumers should contact the CAC at info@cac.gov.jm or call 876-906-5424 .

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