The BSJ is assisting entities in the bottled coconut water industry by helping to standardise and improve the quality of bottled coconut water sold across the country.

The source for this assistance comes from the BSJ’s newly-announced Client Servicing Programme. "It's a friendly, comforting, cost-free environment. We assist the clients, providing valuable technical guidance. It usually spans any area of their business, but most importantly, the focus is on helping them to meet the requirements of the standard," said Karen Watson-Brown, Manager of Standards Development and Certification at the BSJ.

She noted that the bottled coconut water industry has been plagued with challenges, which is why the BSJ is trying to assist business operators to overcome these problems. The programme is designed to work with the various stakeholders, helping them to meet the requirements and to implement the standards.

"It is true to say that some of these products do not have a long enough shelf life. In fact, sometimes microorganisms are found in the product, so there are those kinds of challenges that exist and must be mitigated," said Watson Brown.

If you are unsure about the bottled coconut water being sold, contact the Bureau of Standards Jamaica.