What ingredients are in local packaged foods?
Almost all locally made packaged food products sold in the supermarkets, whether baked goods, ice cream, sauces, etc., do not carry any ingredients list on them. This goes for products bought by the supermarkets (e.g. bulla, ice cream) and for products made by the supermarkets (e.g. bread). I’d love to support local, but I also don’t want to eat certain ingredients. Is there no law that (at least packaged) food products need to state the ingredients? This would help both those who are allergic and those who are health conscious …and those who are simply curious.
Auntie’s answer: I have noticed the lack of what I would consider proper labelling of local products as well, so I am glad you asked this question. I approached the Department of Environmental Health (DEH), which is responsible for food hygiene and safety.
Unfortunately, an official explained that “current DEH food guidelines only speak to the labelling of imported foods”. However, the wheels are in motion to correct that discrepancy.
According to the official, new guidelines are being drafted to ensure the labelling of all food items, meaning imported as well as locally sourced. Once the DEH drafts those guidelines, which will include mandatory labelling, they will be vetted by other stakeholders.
I cannot say how long the process will take, but I will check in periodically with DEH for updates.
Recent answers from Auntie
Following police instructions on the road
If a policeman is directing traffic contrary to the working traffic lights what are drivers supposed to do? Specifically, when the policeman at the junction of Fort Street, Harbour Drive and North Church Street is waving traffic forward but the lights are red, am I supposed to commit an offence by driving through the red light? […]
What religions are practised in Cayman?
I am new to Cayman and I have noticed the many churches on the island. But I was wondering what other religions are represented here?
Clearing out bulk items for the holidays
Will there be a bulk waste collection for all districts this year before the holiday season? Auntie’s answer: Yes, the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) will once again be offering free collection of bulk waste items on Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman ahead of the holidays. Here is the DEH calendar which provides […]
Can you find out if the Expungement Board also expunges minor offences from the record such as disorderly conduct etc? Auntie’s answer: The
Related
Category: Ask Auntie, Misc Questions
Every ingredient needs to be shown Incase of someone being allergic to nuts, shellfish,milk, dairy, etc. The US has now clamped down big time after a girl ate something that was processed where tree nuts are processed and she died. She was 16yrs old. Whether at a restaurant, supermarket or items baked or made from home.
I’d like to know if potassium bromade is banned in the CI.
Common baked goods contain potassium bromate, a potentially cancer-causing food additive. Potassium bromate is banned in many countries, but in the United States, it’s still on grocery store shelves.
More importantly is anyone even monitoring what procedures and ingredients are being used? Also is anyone monitoring what local farmers are spraying their crops with?
I would like to know what the farmers are spraying on their crops too. In other words how organic are the local organic lproduce?