No Evidence of Plastic in Rice Samples Tested So Far

The Bureau of Standards Jamaica has indicated that there is no indication of contamination in the fifty- five (55) samples of rice that it has tested to date. The samples of both cooked and uncooked rice were collected from nine (9) locations across the island and included those taken from a complainant who appeared in a CVM TV news report on Friday, December 16. The samples were subjected to starch, moisture content, floating and flame tests as well as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda says the BSJ will continue to collect and test samples. “However, once again I would like to categorically state, that there has been absolutely no evidence so far to support the notion that rice on the local market has been contaminated by plastic,” said Minister Samuda. The Industry and Commerce Minister also urged members of the media to be responsible in their reporting on the matter. “As we have seen from the test results, there is absolutely no reason to cause panic. We are monitoring the situation closely. Several agencies are involved in the government’s response to this potential threat and we are doing everything we can to protect consumers.”
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Contact: Karlene Brown Tel: 968-8669