The government of Barbados has warned the importers of Jamaican patties that a permit is now needed to import the product into the country.
On Tuesday a government statement said a permit is needed for patties in any variety from Jamaica, or fully- cooked poultry products from any Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.
The government statement also informed persons travelling abroad who wished to bring back meat or any animal product that they must first obtain an import permit from the Veterinary Services Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource Management.
It said the permit allows persons to import up to 25 pounds of meat or meat products in their original packaging from the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada and the United Kingdom.
“Meat and meat products include, but are not limited to, fresh, frozen or chilled cuts of meat or poultry; and pastries containing meat filling, including meat patties, meat rolls and rotis. Processed meats include ham, sausages, bacon, hot dogs, hamburgers, haggis, canned hams and other meats.
“Persons interested in importing patties of any variety from Jamaica, or fully- cooked poultry products from any CARICOM country, must also obtain a permit,” it said, noting however that “individuals may import up to 25 pounds of commercially canned meat products in the original packaging without a permit from any country for personal use”.
The government statement gave no reason why the reminder was being issued but indicated that the meat permits are only valid for a period of 30 days after the date of issue.
