THE EXPLOSION of fast food outlets across Kingston in particular has posed challenges in several areas. Famous brand names from North America have had an intrinsic attraction which plays on the well known bias for imported fare.
Indigenous entrepreneurs may have felt that they were up against it. Would the famous Jamaican patty, for example, be able to withstand the lure of the ubiquitous burger with all the trimmings?
As far as we are aware, however, the patty survives, though the burger may have carved a niche along one of the neon-lighted strips in New Kingston. The competition may well stimulate growth all round and the fittest will survive.
What is of more concern, however, are the results of our own survey of some 21 popular fast food franchises in New Kingston and Liguanea between January 11 and 22. We found that most of the establishments were failing to meet the basic requirements of the Food Handling Regulations 2000 which came into effect on September 1 last year.
As our report published yesterday indicated, simple hygienic precautions were not being taken by employees handling food and serving customers. In none of the business places surveyed was there displayed a Public Health Certificate; so customers had no way of knowing whether they were certified to serve food. Some staffers had no inkling what the certificates were or that they were legally required.
As so often happens in these matters the authorities are aware of the lapses but there is little indication of enforcement taking place. One official did indicate that the final deadline for applications for food handling certification is January 31 "and customers must start demanding to see it".
If laxity prevails so widely at well established food places we wonder what risks reside untroubled at the numerous roadside eateries throughout Kingston and indeed the rural areas.
The opinions on this page, except for the above, do not necessarily reflect the views of The Gleaner.
