A pub

lication

mad

e avai

lable b

y:

THE B

UREA

U OF S

TAND

ARDS

JAMA

ICA

QuarterlyTheStandard

Jamaica (BSJ) Goes to China to Talk Starch

Issue no. 2. Jan.Mar. 2011

Inside This Issue:

Standards Updates

How are Jamaican Standards Developed?

National Standards Working to Protect You!

Upcoming Events

CAP Ensuring Quality in the Agro-Sector

And more!

The 13th Plenary Meeting of ISO TC 93 was held in

Beijing, China on the 9th and 10th of December 2010

.

In attendance, were delegates from China,

the Russian Federation and Jamaica.

Starch is undeniably one of the most impor-tant compounds found in nature. A renew-able and virtually limitless resource, it is produced primarily by green plants as a means of energy storage. Of equal preva-lence and utility are the vast collection of derivatives (e.g. sugars) and by-products (e.g. glutens) obtained from starchs physi-cal, chemical or biological transformation. Starch, its derivatives and its by-products are often essential ingredients or additives in the production of foods, pharmaceuticals, textiles, paper, polymers, and construction materials. Therefore, with the global yield expected to tip the scales well pass 75 million tonnes in 2012, the extraction of starch from its traditional sources (namely corn, wheat, potatoes and soya beans) is expected to become an even larger and more lucrative agro-industry.

To describe the effect this industry has on the world economy as anything less than significant, would clearly be a gross under-estimation of its present demand. This demand however cannot be allowed to take priority over quality and safety. It is under these circumstances that the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has sought to normalize the methods applied for the sampling and testing of starch and its related compounds. This unification of standards, helps to alleviate concerns of product reliability and safety, especially for trans-border trade. Since 1958, starch related ISO Technical Committees (TCs)

comprised of industry representatives, government authorities, academia and consumer commissions have conferred to compose the aforementioned standards. Designated ISO TC 93, this Technical Committee to date has cumulatively published 26 standards and are presently drafting others to keep pace with starchs complexity and variety.

Jamaicas involvement in the formulation of these international standards has been duly recognized with our assignment of the Secretariat for ISO TC 93. Since 2003, the BSJ has shouldered this enormous respon-sibility and to date, our island is the only member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to host the Secretariat of any ISO Technical Committee. With the 13th Plenary Meeting of ISO TC 93 scheduled for the 9th and 10th of December 2010, our duties took us to Beijing, China where the Jamaican delegation of Dr. Andrew Pearson (UWI), Mrs. Julia Bonner Douett (BSJ) and Mrs. Vonetta Nurse-Thompson (BSJ) met with representatives from both China and the Russian Federation. Agreements were reached to revise and further develop starch-related standards, as commonly accepted terminologies have since changed and analytical procedures are now more advanced and exact. New work items were proposed as well. Since starch may also be characterized by its viscosity, colour and grain size, new standards are being pursued to properly quantify these properties.

Additionally, research and development with regards to cassava starch will now be a major priority for the Committee going forward.

So what does this all mean for Jamaica? In short it is great news, especially a global consensus to further advance cassava starch research. Despite cassavas high starch yield, it has received far less attention than the more recognizable grains and potatoes. Cassava and the starches obtainable from its tubers, possess a host of properties that are in high demand. One of the major challenges though, has been the complete separation of the native starch from cyano-genic glucosides: the toxic precursors that are often present at dangerously high levels in some types of cassava. The direction in which research will progress will hopefully address these and other challenges. None-theless, the agreement could not have been more ideally timed since in 2008, the Ministry of Agriculture, led by Dr. Christo-pher Tufton, had made a strong push towards an increase in cassava cultivation throughout the island.

As an important decision maker in ISO TC 93, Jamaicas input will be considered in shaping international standards for cassava starch. More importantly, we may be able to access technologies and expertise that can lead to a significant advancement of our established cassava, and fledgling starch industries.

Standards UpdatesA brief look at standards being developed with you in mind!

Used Pneumatic Tyres For Passenger Cars - Substandard used tyres can pose a signifi-cant threat to public safety. A continued loss of traction can render a vehicle unresponsive to its driver while in motion. Against this and other safety implications, a new Jamaican Standard Specification for Used pneumatic tyres for passenger cars has been drafted, and is awaiting ministerial approval. The standard specifies compulsory requirements and inspection parameters for the importation and sale of used tyres to the Jamaican consumer. Once approved the standard will be available at the BSJs Technical Information Centre. The Jamaican public is being encouraged to be aware of the basic requirements when purchasing used car tyres.

Spa Entities - To effectively regularize the quality of service delivered by our local spas and health resorts, the Tourism Product Development Company Limited (TPDCo.), in association with the BSJ and other stakeholders, have drafted a new national spa standard. The Jamaican Standard Specification for Spa entities addresses, but is not limited to: personnel training, equipment and infrastructure safety, the responsibilities of management, and maintenance and security. A draft of the standard will soon be available for review at the BSJs Technical Information Centre, at public libraries and online through the BSJs website. The Jamaican public is being encouraged to submit their documented comments and concerns on the draft to the BSJ.

Composite Cylinders - In recent years, the conventional, metallic LPG storage cylinder has received strong competition (especially in Europe) from the more technologically advanced and highly convenient composite cylinder. Made from high performance and durable materi-als, composite cylinders are characteristically lightweight, easy to handle, safer to transport and are, in come cases, translucent offering actual visibility of the content within. Industry stakeholders are interested in introducing composite cylinders to the local market as an alternative to LPG cylinders. Presently however, there is no Jamaican standard to specify mandatory requirements and testing parameters for their importation. The BSJs Transport-able Gas Containers Technical Committee has recently begun the development of this standard. All stakeholders are welcomed to participate.

General Purpose Hydraulic Cements - Presently, there is an abundance in the variet-ies of cement sold on the local market. Whether domestically manufactured or imported, the list of components and the ratio in which they are combined, leads to the production of different types of cement. A new Jamaican standard is being drafted in response to the need for such product diversity. The standard covers performance specifications for hydraulic cements and is expected to promote the manufacture of green cement by encouraging the use of recycled materials in the production process. All cements however must conform to the basic physical and mechanical test requirements to ensure their suitability for construction purposes.

Furniture - To better guide manufacturers, international traders and distributors of furniture, the JS 106:1996 (Jamaican Specification for Minimum requirements for wooden, metal, plastic and upholstered accommodation furniture and craft intended for export and import), is currently being revised. The standard will continue to specify the basic requirements for the materials, construction, craftsmanship and finishes used in manufacturing furniture. The revised standard will incorporate references from the regional CARICOM standard.

Ultra-Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) - Environmental agencies across North America and Europe have all begun to implement standards to drastically reduce the sulphur content of diesel fuel and thus improve air quality. Not to be left behind, the Jamaican Petroleum (Quality Control) Act is presently being updated to include an adopted standard specifica-tion for ULSD. In addition to the environmental and health implications, the move is in anticipation of automobile imports that use ULSD exclusively, and to provide consumers with an alternative fuel option. The specification is expected to take effect in 2012.

How are Jamaican Standards Developed?

1The need for a

standard is first identified and a request

submitted to the BSJ.

2A Technical

Committee of stakeholders

discusses and drafts the

details and requirements

of the standard.

3The draft is submitted to the Standards Council for approval.

4The approved

standard is released into

the public domain for

comments.

5After comments have been addressed, ministerial approval is

given

6and the new standard is officially

gazetted andpublished.

!Exercise your civic duty and

participatein a technical

committee. Help write the

standards that protect you!

Additional information regarding these and any other published standards is available at the Technical Information Centre (TIC) at the Bureau of Standards Jamaica, or via our website: www.bsj.org.jm

Across2. Q. Mngmnt _____ 3. Starch source7. Standard type8. JS 87:200710. Presentation of Jcan

Standards, order11. Business prize13. Starch product14. JS 303:200816. GMP tenet

Down1. JS 0 affirmative2. Making ______work for you...4. ISO 19011 actions5. Regional stds. developer6. ___ standards9. Starch applications11. Formerly NBS in USA12. ISO 9001: corrective ____15. Progress measure

Your StandardB r a i n t e a s e r !

The Processed Food Act of 1959 clearly dictates that before a local establishment may lawfully engage in the manufacturing, processing or packaging of food items for sale, it must be registered and issued a Certificate of Registration from the BSJ. To achieve this certifica-tion, the Jamaican Standard Specification for Processed Food (General), JS 36:1991, borne from the Processed Food Act, would have been a significant guide for the facilitys launch and subsequent opera-tions. The Processed Food Act and the JS 36:1991 follow the globally accepted tenets of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) that must be adhered to if the integrity of the food product is to be assured and the health and safety of the consumer are to be protected. Both specifically guide the selection and preparation of an establishments environs and infrastructure, general food hygiene protocols and the handling, packaging and storage of raw materials and finished goods. Addition-ally, they outline employee personal hygiene routines, pest control regimens, general sanitation procedures and the use and maintenance of a clean water supply. Try to imagine the food manufacturing process and the quality of foods on the Jamaican market if both Act and Standard were circumvented or ignored: backyard workups by unsuit-ably attired workers of questionable qualifications and training, recur-rent vermin infestations, unsatisfactory sanitation systems and disorga-nized warehouses making little distinction among its contents. In short, apart from conscience, there would be little preventing neglectful individuals from short changing the consumer, or worse, taking danger-ous risks in an effort to cut corners. This makes the Processed Food Act and the JS 36:1991 two of the most important pieces of consumer protection legislation, impacting each and every Jamaican!

National Standards Working to Protect You! The Processed Food Act (1959) & JS 36:1991

JMM Programme Renewed Authentic Jamaican products are to receive added domestic and international recognition with the reintroduction of the Jamaica-Made Mark (JMM) Programme.

Jamaica Standards Network Meeting On March 1, stakeholders turned out in droves to attend theJamaica Standards Network Meeting. Participants saw dynamic discussions regarding new and emergent CARICOM regional standards for good management practices for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Soaps and Detergents With both the levels and environmental concerns about phosphates in wastewater effluents on the rise, a technical committee has been convened to revise the JS 73:1992 (Jamaica Standard Specification for Synthetic laundry detergent powder).

Construction Playgrounds and Play / Sports Equipment Issues concerning the safety of playground equipment have led to a call for the development of a national standard. A new committee was convened in March.

News Bulletins SME Awareness The BSJ will host an awareness

session for the new CARICOM Specification for Honey. The assembly is scheduled for Apr. 12.

The BSJ is also scheduled to participate in the following:

A meeting of the CROSQ Council -Apr. 11 - 15. Nassau Bahamas.

A meeting of ISO CEO for NSB (CEOs of National

Standards Bodies) - May 10 - 11, Santiago Chile.

An ISO 26000 (Social Responsibility) training session- May 10 - 11, at the BSJ.

A General Assembly of the Pan-American Standards

Commission (COPANT) - May 12 - 13, Santiago Chile.

Upcoming Events

For a complete list of scheduled training programmes offered, call the Bureau of Standards Jamaica Training Unit at (876) 920-6848.

CAP Ensuring Quality in the Agro-Sector

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) The CAP Programme

Jam

aica

Mad

e Mar

k (J

MM

) Pr

ogra

mm

eH

AC

CP

Rec

ogni

tion

Prog

ram

me

Cer

tific

atio

nM

ark

Prog

ram

me

(LPG

) Aut

hori

zatio

nPr

ogra

mm

e

Cer

tific

atio

n of

Agr

icul

tura

l Pr

oduc

e (C

AP)

Pro

gram

me

The Certification of Agricultural Produce(CAP) Mark

For more information contact the Standards Development and Certification Department of The Bureau of Standards Jamaica - 6 Winchester Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica

And in our next issue, look out for... The Jamaica-Made MarkJamaica has a long and distinctive tradition for quality products. We have an indescribable nature to our excellence. An excellence that is easy to identify and is wholly ours. Take for example our Jamaican Jerk. Foreign businesses have tried and woefully failed in their attempt to reproduce its flavour and satisfaction. What can we do to both promote and protect this earned reputation of quality which is inherently Jamai-can? We can first declare the authenticity of what is ours with an internationally recognizable insignia. It is with this in mind that the Jamaica-Made Mark (JMM) Programme is being reintroduced by the BSJ. The official Mark salutes the legitimacy of products made in Jamaica, as the programme seeks to verify their conformance to national and international standards. Products with at least 51% Jamaican raw materials, or at least 70% Jamaican input (where the principal raw material is not produced in Jamaica) are eligible for this mark of authenticity. We all stand to benefit from this initiative. Manufacturers can see improved quality, brand recognition and market advantage both locally and abroad. Local consumers can identify

and reach for genuine Jamaican products with added confidence while international patrons will have more trust in our items and be better able to identify inferior copycats. Manufacturers are being invited to be aware of the requirements and apply for the Mark through the BSJ. We all have a responsibility to buy Jamaican to help build Jamaica.

quality management systems; not only increased operational efficiency but also greater volume outputs without compromises in value. Undoubtedly, Jamaicas agro-industry has plenty to offer the world in the way of quality, diversity and exoticism. Make it official, get CAP-ed now!

In an effort to bolster the local and international reliability and competitiveness of Jamaican agro-products, the islands farmers and agri-businesses are being encouraged to seek enrollment in the Certification of Agricultural Produce (CAP) Programme. CAP, developed by the Bureau of Standards Jamaica in association with the Jamaica Agricul-tural Society (JAS), is a voluntary programme that offers official recognition to agricultural operations and/or commodities that demonstrate conformance to the specifi-cations of relevant standards for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), quality, safety and environmentally friendly protocols. Producers and manufacturers of crops, livestock and agricultural inputs (e.g. fertilizers) are all encouraged to apply. CAP offers a great deal of flexibility at the early stages of matriculation, with appli-cants being permitted to enter with basic requirements in place. Additional guidance geared towards meeting both local and international requirements is made available, whereupon implementa-tion, full certification is granted. CAP provides a significant edge to its awardees: a greater and more relaxed access to both local and foreign markets, heightened confidence by consumers in bought products, and further recognition through the programmes promo-tional marketing schemes. In their daily routines, certified CAP members can expect a substantial improvement in their

Q: What are the entry requirements?A: Applicants should: be listed with the National Farmers Registration Programme be registered members of a nationally established agricultural association or cooperative e.g. JAS, RADA, JEFA etc. be able to prove observance of Good Agricultural and Environmental Practices and provide evidence of a management system.

Q: Which standard(s) will I be assessed against?

A: The BSJ will identify which national, regional or international standards are applicable. The client and the BSJ then decide on which standard will be used.Q: Who will conduct the assessment?

A: The BSJ assembles an experi- enced, highly trained and thorough team of auditors to conduct the assessment. Each member posesses knowledge of the agricultural industry and are trained auditors.Q: If successful, what exactly will I

be awarded with?

A: Each successful applicant is given: an official CAP license or certificate certification valid for a two year period with the option for renewal a public listing on the BSJs Register of Certified CAP Licensees conditional use of the CAP Mark and/or CAP Mark stickers in advertisement programmes.Q: What has been the response so far?

A: CAP has been met with much approval and anticipation by both the agro-sector and consumers. As Jamaicans are being encouraged to Buy Jamaican to Build Jamaica, we have seen an increased interest in local products of high quality.

Tel: (876) 926 - 3140 - 5 Fax: (876) 929 - 4736

The Quarterly Standard - Issue No. 2. Jan. - Mar. 2011 Page 3.pdfThe Quarterly Standard - Issue No. 2. Jan. - Mar. 2011 Page 3.ai.pdf

The Quarterly Standard - Issue No. 2. Jan. - Mar. 2011 Page 2.pdfThe Quarterly Standard - Issue No. 2. Jan. - Mar. 2011 Page 2.ai.pdf