On 26 March 2018, The Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ) played host to 34 students enrolled in the Nutrition and Dietetics Program at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Ja.). The group of 34 students was taken through the varying functions and responsibilities of the BSJ and the National Compliance and Regulatory Authority (NCRA).

The students were treated to an opening introduction of the BSJ, this included a broad overview of the functions and responsibilities of the body. Thereafter the students were taken through the Standards Development Process and the National Quality Infrastructure, which helped to highlight the BSJ’s commitment to nation building. Presenters from the Packaging Unit of the BSJ also contributed to the UTech students’ experience. Examples of product packaging gone wrong were presented, which gave the students an idea of the rights and wrongs in packaging in Jamaica.

To close out the day’s activities, the Food Inspectorate of the National Compliance & Regulatory Authority provided a different perspective from the regulatory body’s view point. The Inspectorate elaborated on the NCRA’s role in ensuring standards compliance across Jamaica. The students’ exposure to food safety and other related standards is of significant importance and will provide much needed assistance to their advancement in the Nutrition and Dietetics Program.

The BSJ is committed to facilitating the proper dissemination of information as well as demonstrations to students and stakeholders alike, for education, research and quality standards purposes.