An interesting development at St. Maarten Laboratory Services (SLS) is reported in today’s paper. As part of plans for increased analysis and supervision of food products one of its experts is following highly specialised microbiology training in the Netherlands.
While many often complain about the price of groceries, quality is just as or even more important. Unfortunately, up to now on-island recourses to check such are limited to non-existent, as currently testing is mostly restricted to tap-water, bottled water, ice, seawater and sewage runoff.
That SLS intends to expand its activities in this regard is undoubtedly good news. Not that there is necessarily a huge problem with what’s currently available on the market, but without proper control there is no way to know for sure.
SLS in any case says that after Hurricane Irma when large quantities of food were imported mainly due to damage to supermarkets, it became clear that more supervision was needed. This also goes for restaurants.
It’s important to note that the latter already have their kitchens inspected for cleanliness by government, while expiration dates are checked at food stores. Nevertheless, a bit more protection for the consumer certainly wouldn’t hurt.
It may also help maintain the tourism destination’s key reputation as so-called “culinary capital” of the Caribbean. Especially with today’s social media a few bad experiences could have a very negative impact.
The special laboratory that is to do this work starts in January. The goal will be not so much punishing offenders, but rather promoting prevention by creating a climate whereby businesses in the sector make sure what they sell is in order.
