The temporary ban on the importation and sale of corned beef from Brazil has been lifted with immediate effect.

This was announced by Agriculture Minister, Karl Samuda at a press conference, this morning (Apl 4).

He explains that a Jamaican technical team went to Brazil last week, and inspected facilities which export most of the corned beef imported by the island.

Mr. Samuda adds, that tests conducted by the Bureau of Standards Jamaica of corned beef on the market, have been found to be within normal limits.

He explains that the move to temporarily ban corned beef was necessary to protect Jamaicans of the possible threat of a product being imported.

He says the ministry will continue to monitor the situation.

Ninety-nine-point-five percent of the corned beef supplied to Jamaica comes from Brazil.

Meantime, two major distributors of corned beef have welcomed the news of the lifting of the ban on the product entering the local market.

The government imposed a ban on corned beef coming into the island from Brazil, after the Brazilian authorities shuttered several processing plants, after they were found to have been selling contaminated meat.

Following a fact finding mission to Brazil, Agriculture Minister, Karl Samuda announced the lifting of the ban this morning.

Chief Executive Officer of Grace Kennedy Don Wheby says the company will continue to ensure the highest quality products reach the local market

And, Lasco Foods says, its brand of corned beef will be made available for sale to the public, starting tomorrow.

Lasco Foods commended the ministry for its due diligence in protecting the health and safety of Jamaica’s citizens, and the speed in which the investigation was completed.