both in terms of chemistry and microbiology,” Dr. Gooden explains.The labs check for pathogens such as salmonella and E. coli— micro-organisms that can trigger foodborne illnesses if unchecked.This testing capacity is essential for protecting local consumers and assuring international buyers that Jamaican food exports meet global safety standards. The packaging lab also plays an essential role, particularly for exporters. Dr. Gooden elaborates that the lab can verify that packaging complies with international label requirements, examining details like nutritional information and “best before” dates. Efficiency is also a priority, and BSJ has significantly improved its turnaround times. “Our average turnaround was about 21 days,” Dr. Gooden acknowledges, but the agency has brought this down to 14 days through concerted efforts. The goal, he says, is to reach a nine-day average by early next year, a timeline that would “put us in line with the benchmark of other international labs” engaged in similar testing services. STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS Collaboration is vital to BSJ’s work, especially as the agency strives to help Jamaican businesses 17 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 11, ISSUE 11 BUREAU OF STANDARDS JAMAICA
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