By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE government has defended the safety of eggs imported from the Dominican Republic, assuring Bahamians that all food imports meet strict inspection standards.

Reports that the Dominican Republic has not been officially declared free of bird flu sparked local concern after Super Value announced this week that it would sell eggs imported from that country.

Yesterday, the Bahamas Agricultural Health & Food Safety Authority (BAHFSA) said the imported eggs have passed regulatory checks and are safe for consumption. The agency said it received official documents from the Dominican Republic’s government verifying that the shipment is in good sanitary condition and complies with all current regulations.

According to BAHFSA, the eggs were sourced from Huevos Perla, a farm certified by the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Health. Officials said the farm holds a sanitary registration endorsed by the General Directorate of Medicines, Food, and Health Products and is currently exporting to other demanding markets.

Additionally, BAHFSA said avian influenza — commonly known as bird flu — is absent from the farm of origin.

The agency emphasised that all poultry and meat imports to The Bahamas must meet strict safety requirements under the Animal Health and Production Act 2016. Importers must secure permits and provide health certificates for every shipment.

Meanwhile, at a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday, Senator Barry Griffin, chairman of the Bahamas Trade Commission, said dependence on a single source drove higher costs.

“We are simply encouraging businesses to look at different options for diversifying their trade,” he said.

One company assisting in the shift is CLX Logistics, which played a role in securing imports that are now sold at Super Value. CEO Ceri Howell said his firm facilitated the logistics but credited Super Value for establishing supplier connections.

Jasmine Williams, CEO of Global South, another private sector partner, gave an assurance that all Latin American-sourced food items undergo strict regulatory vetting.

“Affordability should not come at the expense of quality,” she said.

Mr Griffin pushed back against scepticism, saying Latin America has established itself as a major exporter of agricultural products, including poultry, and that even the US heavily relies on these markets.

Some critics have questioned why the government is prioritising imported eggs over local production. Mr Griffin maintained that while domestic agriculture investments are ongoing, the priority is lowering prices.

“We are investing in the production of eggs in the country,” he said, referencing the Golden Yolk programme.

As part of its broader affordability strategy, the Consumer Protection Commission has been monitoring complaints to prevent price manipulation.

“Consumers call our hotline and our main office daily to complain,” said Senator Randy Rolle, chairman of the commission.

Mr Griffin said the government is committed to further reducing the cost of living.

“We expect a 20 to 60 percent decrease of a new round of products over the short term,” he said, listing items such as poultry, pork, beef, canned goods, and rice.

Beyond food, he said similar measures are being explored for construction materials, including cement and steel.

“We’re working with international suppliers to make sure building supplies become more affordable,” he said.