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New standards for Jamaica egg industry
The implementation of new labelling and grading
standards that took effect last month in Jamaica does not mean that the price of
eggs will increase.
President of the Jamaica Egg Farmers' Association, Mark Campbell, has
dismissed rumours that with the new requirement by which eggs must be sold in
packages which states whether they are grade 'A' or grade 'B' eggs, the price
for the commodity has increased. "It has not necessarily increased. What
happened is that the price went up, but not because of the standard, but due to
increasing costs of feed stock for chickens, which is a global trend," said
Campbell.
The cost for a dozen eggs ranges from $180 (€1.77; US$2.57) to $220 (€2.17;
US$3.14).
With the new grading standards, there are certain criteria that must be met
by farmers, Campbell explained, which may mean that some producers may pass on
this additional cost to consumers.
"There are aspects of the standard that will cost more, such as how eggs
are stored and transported ... Distributors of eggs will have to make sure that
eggs are transported in a cool storage area, which will require a refrigerated
truck," he said, noting that these requirements are to the benefit of
consumers.
The Bureau of Standards Jamaica is working in conjunction with local
farmers to ensure that eggs sold at local supermarkets are of the highest
quality.
Related links:
Bureau of
Standards Jamaica
Editor WorldPoultry
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