MPs Doran and Lacroes collaborate with Minister Brug to advance food safety reforms

GREAT BAY--Members of Parliament Egbert Doran and Francisco Lacroes met with Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) Richinel Brug to begin shaping a legislative and operational framework to improve food safety oversight in St. Maarten.

The meeting focused on practical approaches to strengthen inspection capacity, modernize existing food safety laws, and enhance cross-border coordination with French St. Martin. One solution discussed was amending legislation to allow fines collected from the seizure of non-compliant products to be redirected toward hiring additional food safety inspectors. Under current law, this option is not permitted, highlighting the need for updated legal provisions.

Another topic raised was the uneven application of testing standards for imported bottled water versus locally produced water. MPs called for consistent testing procedures for all water sold to consumers, regardless of its origin.

Recognizing the limited number of health inspectors currently responsible for overseeing all imported goods, participants acknowledged that enforcement alone is insufficient without structural reform. As a result, MPs and the Minister agreed to organize follow-up sessions with legal and technical experts to draft enforceable legislation that aligns with the island’s specific regulatory gaps and health risks.

The group also discussed tightening controls on food additives, evaluating high-risk imports, and reviewing current inspection practices. Collaboration with French St. Martin was identified as an important step toward harmonizing standards and preventing cross-border circulation of non-compliant products.

The outcome of the meeting is a shared commitment to legislative reform, improved enforcement capacity, and ongoing collaboration among Parliament, the Ministry, and regional partners. Additional stakeholder consultations are planned as part of the effort to deliver a more accountable and effective food safety system.

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