New standards for Jamaica egg industry

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.