Following reports of potential contamination in retail sugar products associated with the Pan Caribbean Sugar Company (PCSC), the Sugar Industry Authority (SIA) says it has initiated immediate and decisive action to heighten surveillance and verification activities.

Since the report, a technical team has been deployed to the PCSC facility in Frome, Westmoreland, to conduct an on-site inspection and commence a formal investigation. The team collected samples from the facility for analysis at the SIA’s Central Laboratory.

As part of its broader verification activities, SIA undertook additional sampling at the other sugar manufacturing facility on the island and subjected the samples to similar analyses.

“The investigation remains ongoing, with additional samples being collected and assessed. Initial findings have identified gaps under current inspection conditions within certain aspects of the manufacturing and packaging processes at the PCSC facility, particularly in relation to contaminant control systems,” a statement from SIA outlined.

“Trace levels of metallic particles were detected in some samples; these findings are being further assessed, and precautionary measures have been implemented pending completion of the investigation,” it continued.

As a result, the authority has engaged the PCSC’s senior management and initiated steps for further coordination with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) and the National Compliance and Regulatory Authority (NCRA) to take additional actions, if deemed necessary. Both agencies have already issued the relevant regulatory orders.

SIA shared further: “PCSC has been directed by the authority to implement immediate corrective measures, including the strengthening of contaminant control systems, enhanced monitoring and verification of finished products, and other necessary interventions to ensure compliance with required standards. Resumption of normal operations will be subject to verification and approval by the relevant authorities.”

Strengthening of SIA Regulatory Oversight

In the meantime, SIA is closely monitoring compliance and has increased its oversight to ensure adherence to required standards. To further safeguard product quality and strengthen regulatory effectiveness, the authority has commenced and will continue to implement the following enhanced oversight measures:

1. Expanded inspection and monitoring activities across all facilities.

2. Introduction of targeted procedures to support the detection of physical contaminants.

3. Enhanced quality assurance and verification protocols.

4. Increased frequency of sampling and independent testing.

The SIA’s Central Laboratory conducts sugar quality analyses in accordance with internationally recognised methods established by the International Commission for Uniform Methods of Sugar Analysis (ICUMSA). The authority says it is taking steps to incorporate additional procedures to enhance the detection of physical contaminants.

“The authority treats this matter with the utmost seriousness and remains committed to safeguarding consumers while maintaining confidence in Jamaica’s sugar industry. Consumers and stakeholders are advised that the situation is being actively managed, and further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” the statement from SIA concluded.