Wait, we does import chicken too?

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Drop in imported chicken leaves short supply
YVONNE WEBB (NEWSDAY).

A reduction in the importation of chicken has left a shortfall in the supply of poultry on the T&T market.

Head of the Poultry Association Robin Phillips said the covid19 pandemic is to be blamed.

Phillips said factors such as the drop in global flights and adjustments to labour forces have seen a drastic cut in the importation of chicken, leaving local poultry farmers trying their best to meet the shortfall.

He said local producers' production cycle to bring a chicken to maturity is basically 12 weeks, and they are in the seventh or eight week of that cycle.

“Local supplies should be back to normal in about three to four weeks maximum," he predicted. At present, he said, "We are about 90 per cent of where we would like to be because of the adjustments in production level we made in the covid19 total lockdown.

“So supplies are going to be tight for maybe another few weeks, depending on the demand.”

He said approximately a million heads of chicken are consumed in T&T on a weekly basis.

“Local production is about 800,000 chickens per week...We eat a lot of chicken.”

He said with the 75 per cent cut, only about 50,000 heads have been coming in to Trinidad.

“So there is a shortfall of about 150,000 chickens on that side alone, on average. Of course our local farmers cannot be expected at the drop of a hat to produce 150,000 more chickens per week.” Phillips said.

In addition, “Supplies are very tight because of adjustments in production levels that producers made when you had a total lockdown earlier this year, when restaurants and the whole food-service industry were closed."

Producers made adjustments because they did not know when they would be able to reopen.

“The local producers are trying to make up the shortfall as best as possible but it’s a serious challenge. So therefore, the supplies are very tight.

"But most people are getting some supplies, if not 100 per cent. We are trying to make sure our customers get as close as possible to their regular supply.”

While he has not had complaints from consumers or clients, Phillips admitted some non-traditional customers who get their supplies from abroad may be experiencing a shortage because local suppliers would give priority to their regular customers.

“We are trying to help them as far as possible, but not at the expense of our loyal customers.

Phillips who also represents Arawak, said they have been supplying fresh chicken to supermarkets daily.

“All our regular customers are getting an adequate supply.”

Supermarket Association president Rajiv Diptee said the situation has not posed a problem for his members so far, but understands because there are not enough mature chickens for sale, some people are experiencing a shortfall, including some pluck-shop owners.

Attempts to reach Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat on Thursday through calls and text messages proved futile.

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T&T tops world in eating chicken
JULIEN NEAVES (NEWSDAY).
SATURDAY 15 FEBRUARY 2020

T&T is probably the highest per capita consumers of chicken in the world, said director of veterinary public health in the Health Ministry Dr Saed Rahaman.

He was speaking Friday before a Joint Select Committee (JSC) on Finance and Legal Affairs on an inquiry into consumer awareness, empowerment and protection systems and responding to JSC member Taharqa Obika who asked about the testing of imported meats.

Rahaman said the Health Ministry is looking at giving as much protection for consumers and local public. He said the Agriculture Ministry has an import permit process and they would look at how long the product is past the processing date. He explained that once a product is allowed entry into the country then it is reviewed by the Chemistry Food and Drug Division to receive a certificate of wholesomeness.

He said there are also examinations which look at the smell and look of the chicken and if there are concerns the product would be sent for further testing or further evaluation. Rahaman pointed out that 95 per cent of the imported chicken comes from the US and they have USDA health certification.

JSC member Vidia Gayadeen-Gopeesingh asked what is the threshold for pesticides in crops and what has been the highest over the threshold found. Registrar of pesticides and toxic chemicals, Chemistry Food and Drugs Health Ministry Hazmath Ali said T&T unfortunately to check for maximum residue limits on pesticides in crops it needs to have a national GAP (good agricultural practices) standard developed and a national policy in place. He said judicious use of pesticides would be dependent on the GAP policy.

He explained under the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Act there is provision for regulations on pesticide residues but they were never developed. He said the board has been looking at maximum residue that can be used and correlating against the rate of application to be used on the crop. He added that UWI has assisted with efficacy trials and looking at minimum levels of pesticides.

Ali reported that he is part of the national GAP committee and they have started developing a national GAP policy and national GAP standard with the hope of the voluntary standard being implemented and guided through Namdevco and after then a national monitoring system. He said it is a challenge with the Chemistry Food and Drug laboratory being non-functional. The lab is scheduled to be operational by the end of the year.

Ali also said pesticide residue on fruit and vegetables is a real concern and while washing could remove some residue he would recommend peeling fruits before consuming them.

JSC member Dr Lester Henry asked about the labelling of products and pointed out that on some products, like pasta, he struggled to find English. Director consumer guidance and protection at the consumer affairs division Dexter Morgan said there is currently no legislation stating that labels must be in plain English but this was looked at with the National Consumer Policy approved by Cabinet in 2018. He added that new consumer legislation, for which the Trade Ministry has hired a consultant, will deal with that issue.

JSC member Clarence Rambharat asked about food sold at restaurants, road side and at fast food restaurants and stipulations that they provide information about nutritional value including calorie content.

“I see people everyday consume products from coffee shops. Just looking at it may cause you to put on ten, 15 pounds.”

He said citizens were not aware that some of these products which look nice and may contain fruit and vegetables actually have the calorie equivalent of a week’s supply of the recommended consumption.

Acting Permanent Secretary at the Trade Ministry said a lot of the issue would fall under the public health inspectorate and she promised to provide it in writing.