> STATEMENT OF CONCERN REGARDING EGG
> IMPORTS AND FOOD SAFETY IN THE BAHAMAS

In light of recent reports regarding the confiscation and destruction of a large shipment of eggs imported from the Dominican Republic (DR) into the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), the Bahamian public has a right to demand full transparency and assurance from the Government of the Bahamas regarding the source and safety of eggs now being sold at significantly reduced prices.

On Feb. 27, 2025, TCI authorities intercepted and destroyed 24,840 eggs that had been illegally imported from the DR. Officials cited the high risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), a disease currently present in the DR, as well as other concerns regarding food safety. The fact that these eggs were concealed within a shipping container raises further questions about the integrity of some suppliers and the potential for unsafe products to enter regional markets.

At the same time, the Bahamian public has been informed that Super Value has recently reduced egg prices from $10 per dozen to $3.79 per dozen, a significant and unexpected price drop attributed to a new supplier. While the exact country of origin for these eggs has not been officially confirmed, it is widely speculated that they are being sourced from the DR. Given the recent developments in TCI, this raises legitimate concerns about whether the eggs now being sold in the Bahamas are from batches that may have been rejected or discarded elsewhere.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, through the Bahamas Agricultural Food Safety Authority (BAFSA), has stated that the new supplier was vetted for compliance with food safety protocols. However, the public must be provided with clear, unequivocal evidence that these eggs meet the highest safety standards and are not from questionable or high-risk sources. The people of the Bahamas deserve to know:

*What is the exact country of origin of the newly imported eggs?

*Has the Bahamas conducted its own independent risk assessment on eggs from the DR, given that TCI has outright prohibited such imports?

*What specific safety measures have been implemented to prevent the importation of potentially contaminated eggs?

*What testing, if any, has been conducted on these eggs to ensure they are free from HPAI and other contaminants?

The issue of food safety is not one that can be taken lightly. The introduction of HPAI into the Bahamas would have devastating consequences not only for public health but also for local agriculture and food security efforts. The Bahamian people deserve full transparency from the Government and assurances that cost reductions are not being prioritized at the expense of health and safety.

We call on the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, BAFSA, and the Ministry of Health, to immediately provide a detailed report clarifying the situation, addressing the concerns raised

High risk of humans being infected with the Bird Flu virus from eggs imported from the Dominican Republic also applies to eggs imported from Cuba. Bahamians purchasing imported food items in government licensed grocery stores are fully entitled by law to know the source (country of origin) of the those food items.

These eggs came from neither of those countries. But yes, the public should be told where they came from, why the big secret?

There is always a “risk” in everyday activities, even stepping out of the shower. However, this situation is not a hypothetical concern—it is a real and pressing issue given the current threat to public health. The danger posed by the importation of eggs from high-risk regions is not theoretical; it is well-documented and has already led to the confiscation and destruction of shipments elsewhere in the region.

The Bahamian government’s consistent disregard for consumer health and safety is deeply troubling. Rather than prioritizing the well-being of its people, it appears more interested in seizing any opportunity to bolster its public image, even if it means compromising food security. The close ties between certain government officials and this particular grocery store chain raise further concerns about the true motivations behind these import decisions. This issue is not just about food pricing—it is about accountability, transparency, and whether the government is willing to sacrifice public health for political gain and financial interests.

The concern is valid and must be addressed immediately. The public deserves to be fully informed, and their health must take precedence over profit and political manoeuvring. If the government has no issue with these imports, then it should have no problem providing full transparency regarding the exact source of these eggs and the safety measures in place to protect consumers.

As for the notion that "Bahamians purchasing imported food items in government-licensed grocery stores are fully entitled by law to know the source (country of origin) of those food items"—that would be laughable if it weren’t so tragic. When did anything licensed by the Bahamian government become synonymous with high standards and reliability?

The public is expected to trust that regulations are being followed, yet history has shown time and again that oversight is weak, and political connections often dictate who is held accountable and who is not.

The people of the Bahamas must demand answers, and the government must be held to account. Public health is non-negotiable, and any attempt to sidestep this issue or dismiss valid concerns will only further erode trust in those tasked with safeguarding the nation’s well-being.

Thanks to the great works globalization shopping of Grocerman's Rupert's -- **Comrade "Sister" Debra Symonette,** a big drop in the price of eggs means me's wallet can now return to cooking and preparing more of the 8 egg recipes I once enjoyed. -- Granted the dozen eggs cartons are lacking in appearance. -- Here's shoppin' tip: -- **If keepin' up appearances is bigger than your wallet.** -- Noting' stops you from brungin' along an empty and more fancier carton. -- Yes?

**What is the riddle** when there are also 12 eggs in each of the more expensive **keepin' up appearances** Egg Cartons -- so **FEEL FREE choose** which, if any, priced eggs you proceed to buy --- courtesy of Grocerman's Rupert's -- Comrade "Sister" Debra Symonette who **did what Trump and Elon promised but couldn't deliver on cheaper eggs by the carton.** --- Yes?

With BAHFSA and rules for labeling how can the packaging not have to state the country of origin and packaging facility that the eggs came from? I think the price reduction is great for us but, it is suspect that the packaging does not show this info and they are reluctant to state the source.

The situation with the eggs expose what said about the Bahamas some time ago. A white foreign business executive said this, The Bahamas has a closed, backward economy despite it's tourism and financial services. The importation of quite a number of goods is controlled by a handful of firms.

**Go figure** when tis a well known fact. --- There's that Lyford resident who has a Rooster and several laying Hens who are selling eggs to residents and nowhere on the carton does it mention **tis a Gated Community Hatched Product.** -- Yes?

Distraction so we don't talk about the nearly $60M the gov spent on traveling in 3 1/2 years....NOT ACCEPTABLE

They are free range eggs. Well done, Mr. Rupert.

And the Bird Flu virus that comes with them is free too!

So we can get eggs at $3.79 from another country, doesn't that meant eh $15 million golden yoke project is another waste of money. Or are we going to be forced to spend more when we buy from them?

Be transparent and disclose the origin of the eggs.
The average price of one dozen eggs in the USA, the largest market in the area is $4,95 to $8.11 and they are not importing these eggs to retail at $3.79 per dozen in their market?