With support from and through the Caribbean Chambers of Commerce Network, (CARICHAM), the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture has been able to make a definitive input into the CARICOM discussions on the issue of Front of Labelling Packaging for Foods. Members may be aware that there have been proposals advanced for the inclusion of specific nutritional information to be placed on all prepackaged foods manufactured and entering the region.

The intention is to ensure consumers are aware of the nutritional contents of pre-packaged food in light of the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in the region. The Chamber has made it clear that is not opposed to the application of front of package labeling. The primary issue is the “system” that was being advanced, which we are concerned could prove to be a significant tariff barrier, as it is not one used by our primary trading partners, such as the USA and UK. Additionally, we were concerned that no regulatory impact assessment has been conducted.

We can report that these and other concerns were shared with the St. Lucia Bureau of Standards who included them in the National Position. At this time the measure is in abeyance as more technical work is being conducted. The St. Lucia Chamber’s efforts were advanced with support from Chamber Board of Directors Member, Dr. Alison Gajadhar who is serving on the CARICOM Private Sector Technical Committee, representing CARICHAM and St. Lucia.

At this time the proposed regional standard has not been adopted by CROSQ. It has been agreed that 'regulatory impact assessments' on the use of the 'high-in' octagon model and other models, be conducted in a sample number of Member States; and that CROSQ wait for the outcome of this study, before finalizing the regional standard for labelling of pre-package foods. It is envisaged that this study would take place over a 12-month period.