Shelly-Ann Thompson, Staff Reporter

AMIEL

Dr Keith Amiel, corpo-rate affairs manager of Caribbean Broilers Group, on Monday chastised the Jamaican Government for continuing to waive duties on imported chicken back and neck.

Amiel, whose company is one of the major suppliers of locally produced chicken meat, argued the policy was affecting the profit-ability of the industry.

Industry can provide

"The country has the capacity to grow all the chicken we need," said Amiel.

He also noted that the local chicken industry has, in recent times, grown yearly by five to seven per cent.

However, Agriculture Minister Dr Christopher Tufton insisted that duty-free importation of chicken back and neck, which was in effect under the previous People's National Party administration, provided an inexpensive source of protein for the poor.

"We make no apology for it," Tufton said. "There is a point at which we need to determine the segments of the market and we need to offer options to the various segments of the market."

Tufton added that it was the quantity allowed for imports that was important.

Wholesalers in the Corporate Area sell chicken back and neckfor approximately $40 and $45, respectively.

However, Amiel discounted Tufton's claims, citing health concerns.

"People should not be fed fat, bone and skin," said Amiel, who is also president of the Jamaican chapter of the Caribbean Agri Business Association.

Nutritionist Dr Heather Little-White agrees.

Unhealthy

She said chicken neck and back had less nutritional content than other parts of the meat, adding that chicken parts, frozen for several years, had diminished health value.

"When having chicken neck and back, it's best to add vegetables, peas and beans to get the required nutrients," said Little-White.

Currently, Customs is required to clear a specified amount of chicken neck and back weekly.

"The issue is really how much (chicken neck and back) we allow to come in," said Tufton.

shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.com