Sugar – a sweet treat!

I have always had a sweet tooth so it’s no surprise that sugar is a staple in my house. I ensure that I have enough to meet all my needs and I have been known to do ‘sugar runs’ if I am low on the sweet treat.

Sugar and Jamaica have been uneasy bedfellows as initially we emerged as one of the highest producers of sugar in our heyday.  Times have changed but we still produce sugar on the island.

A Sweet Treat

The types of sugar available vary as it goes from very dark to white sugar.  Depending on its purpose, sugar in its various forms has always been popular with consumers.

Sugar is harvested from sugar canes but there are quite a number of artificial sweeteners that are on the market that promote a healthier alternative. The jury is still out on that one but the companies who manufacture these artificial sweeteners claim that their products are harmless. Of course on the other side of the issue some claim that they experience gastrointestinal discomfort, weight gain, bloating or severe allergies.

Sugar Packaging

I have bought sugar that is in proper packaging with the label clearly displayed and I have also bought sugar that was in a clear plastic bag with no labels. I realized that the ones without labels were significantly cheaper than the ones with labels. I must confess since I did not see any discernible difference besides teh cost, I decided to keep buying my label less clear plastic bags of sugar.

I am not the only one I am sure who is looking to save a couple thousand at the supermarket as those bags of sugar usually sell at a brisk pace.  A few weeks ago I noticed that sugar was becoming increasingly hard to find on the shelves. After going missing for while it reemerged  but only the brand that had showed its label.

New Look

Effective July 1, 2017, The Government of Jamaica has stipulated changes in how sugar both brown and granulated is to be distributed  throughout the island.  Instead of being placed in clear plastic bags with no labels and tied, sugar less  than or equal to 10 lbs must now be placed on the supermarket shelves.

The sugar must be heat sealed and prepackaged. This means no more knot tying the top of the sugar bag.

The bags of sugar must also contain information such as the manufacturers’ name, net weight, country of origin along with date and instructions for use.

So what do you think about the new packaging requirements? Drop a line below!

Teri Ann Renee Paisley

Gleaner online writer

Tags: sugar