By Francine Black, Staff ReporterFISHERMEN WHO process fish on their vessels and sell it for export will also be affected by the new United States Bioterrorism Act, but fisheries experts say they are still studying the full implications.
The act, Section 305, requires that domestic and foreign food facilities that manufacture, process, pack or hold food for human and animal consumption in the United States should register with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by December 12.
According to Arlene Martin, consultant in the corporate affairs unit of Jamaica Promotions - one of the state agencies attempting to sensitise Jamaican businesses to the law and its implications - fishermen's boats that are used to gut or process fish that are sold for export, are now considered processing plants.
As such fishermen who engage in this activity will be required to register with the necessary authorities.
REGISTRATION NEEDED
The process requires the registration of the name and address of each facility, names under which the facility conducts business and the categories of food it handles.
Additionally, under Section 306 of the act, persons who process fish on the beach will also be required to establish and maintain records of their activity.
This requires the exporters to keep records of persons whom they purchase from or conduct any form of business with in relation to the products being exported.
Despite the deadline which is four weeks away, the fisheries division at the Ministry of Agriculture was still in the process of gathering information about the new law and was unable to comment on its readiness or approach to dealing with the possible implications.
Ms. Martin said all the information collected in the registration process is necessary, and will allow for persons to be contacted if required.
In the meantime, Stephen Smickle, Director of the Marine Branch of The Fisheries Division said they are in the process of developing an overall agricultural policy frame0work that will address some of the implications resulting from the Bioterrorism Act.
