Shelly-Ann Thompson, Staff Reporter

Consumers should not be paying more for table eggs with the implementation of new labelling and grading standards that took effect last month, says Mark Campbell, president of the Jamaica Egg Farmers' Association.

Campbell has dismissed rumours that with the new requirement by which eggs must be sold in packages which states whether they are grade 'A' or grade 'B' eggs, the price for the commodity has increased.

"It has not necessarily increased. What happened is that the price went up, but not because of the standard, but due to increasing costs of feed stock for chickens, which is a global trend," said Campbell.

The cost for a dozen eggs ranges from $180 to $220.

New criteria

Campbell explained, however, that with the new grading standards, there are certain criteria that must be met by farmers. Hence, some producers may pass on this additional cost to consumers.

"There are aspects of the standard that will cost more, such as how eggs are stored and transported ... Distributors of eggs will have to make sure that eggs are transported in a cool storage area, which will require a refrigerated truck," he said.

Nevertheless, the president noted that these requirements are to the benefit of consumers.

"We are working to eliminate an housewife buying an egg for breakfast and when she cracks it, she gets that rotten smell," said Campbell.

The Bureau of Standards Jamaica is working in conjunction with local farmers to ensure that eggs sold at local supermarkets are of the highest quality.

These new grading standards for eggs are a part of CARICOM trade requirements that took effect on January 1.

shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.com