Food monitoring body says new draft law a step in right direction

AMMAN — The draft food law endorsed this week by the Lower House is a step forward towards enhancing monitoring tools on food products and ensuring a “clean” trade, a senior official said Thursday.

Commenting on the 2015 draft food law MPs passed on Tuesday, Jordan Food and Drug Administration Director (JFDA) Hayel Obeidat described it as “modern and in line with new developments in the food industry and trade”.

Obeidat said the law is a continuation of the monitoring measures on the sale and consumption of food product.

“It is the keystone in the state’s monitoring over food products imported and consumed in the country.”

“Deputies really amended the law in a way that enhances the JFDA’s monitoring tools, which, at the end of the day, means safe food… The law is a strong message to the world that Jordan only accepts healthy food and transparent food trading.”

He also explained that stiffening penalties against violators is a deterrent, “obliging traders to think twice before importing, selling and promoting a food item unfit for human consumption or counterfeit and unlicensed products”.

The draft law imposes a fine of up to JD10,000 and a prison term not exceeding three years on those who trade, market or promote counterfeit and unlicensed food products.

A fine of between JD1,000 and JD5,000 will be imposed on persons trading or promoting counterfeit and unlicensed food products for the first time under MPs’ amendments to Article 22 of the law.

For repeat offenders, the prison term will range from three months to a year in addition to a JD5,000 to JD10,000 fine.

A person caught trading a food item unfit for human consumption for the first time faces a prison term ranging from six months to three years and a fine between JD3,000 and JD5,000, according to the law, which also stipulates the closure of the facility, increasing the value of the fine and doubling the prison term should the violation be repeated.

As stipulated in the law, a higher committee will be formed within the JDFA to draw up food-monitoring policies, define the licensing requirements for facilities trading and selling food products, and accredit food-testing procedures.