RADA says local lettuce safe amid E. coli concerns

The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is reporting that there is no E. coli contaminant on lettuce of any type produced locally.

RADA, in a statement this afternoon, said it is aware of the conditions under which lettuce is produced by farmers and can facilitate traceability from the field.

The agriculture ministry last week imposed a ban on the importation of romaine lettuce because of the E. coli outbreak in the United States.

RADA said that locally produced lettuce is safe for consumption.

Full RADA Statement 

Reference is made to a print media report on Thursday, November 22, 2018, wherein it was mentioned by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries through the plant quarantine produce inspection that due to detection of E. coli contaminants on lettuce produced in several US states, a temporary suspension of imported romaine lettuce to Jamaica was placed. The ban was established in order to protect local consumers and suppliers, to include hotel chains, supermarkets and others.

 It must be noted, however, that there is no E. coli contaminant reported on lettuce of any type produced locally in Jamaica.

 The current situation is that local lettuce growers are reporting that they are unable to sell to the usual markets, to include supermarkets, hotel chains, and others, due to the fears that local lettuce might also be contaminated.

 RADA would like to assure the public that we have no reports of E. coli contamination on locally produced lettuce. RADA is knowledgeable of the conditions under which the lettuce is produced by farmers and can facilitate traceability from the field.

 Assurance is also given that we have sufficient supply of lettuce to meet the demand of the market, to include the upcoming festive season.

 We are appealing to all stakeholders, hotels, supermarkets and general consumers to continue to purchase locally produced lettuce as it is safe for consumption.

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