Persons travelling this holiday season are reminded that if they are planning to bring meat or any animal products into Barbados, they must first obtain an import permit from the Veterinary Services Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and Water Resource Management.

An official from the department explained that meat and meat products in their original commercial packaging may be brought from the United States of America, Puerto Rico, Canada and the United Kingdom. However, he added that only commercially packaged cooked chicken and chicken products are allowed from the Caribbean.

According to him, all types of patties from Jamaica are now allowed provided a permit has been obtained.

Meat and meat products include: fresh, frozen or chilled cuts of meat or poultry; processed meats such as hams, sausages, bacon, hot dogs, hamburgers, canned hams and other meats; and pastries which contain meat filling including meat patties, meat rolls and rotis.

These products must be in the original sealed commercial packaging and must not exceed 25 lbs (11kg).

In addition, the veterinary official pointed out that all places of entertainment planning to import items for the holiday season such as headdresses, masks or decorations which contain feathers or other animal-derived products are reminded that import permits are required for entry of these products into Barbados.

Applications for permits can be made at the Veterinary Services Department in The Pine, St. Michael. Further details may be obtained by contacting the department at 427-5492 or 427-5073 or by visiting the Veterinary Services section of the Ministry of Agriculture’s website at http://www.agriculture.gov.bb/.

andre.skeete@barbados.gov.bb

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