By The Star Staff
Supermercados Selectos withdrew products derived from milk on Tuesday after an action by the island Department of Agriculture, although the products had prior authorization from the dairy industry regulator.
The Selectos Supermarket chain confirmed the voluntary withdrawal of certain dairy products from its shelves in response to a recent Agriculture Department directive. The products had been imported legally with the permission of the Office for Dairy Industry Regulation (ORIL by its Spanish acronym) since 2020.
“We trust in the legality of our operation and the authorization granted by ORIL,” Supermercados Selectos Executive Director Mayreg Rodríguez said, highlighting the company’s immediate compliance with regulatory measures.
The chain’s concern focuses on the possible repercussions on its reputation and the economic impact, after the Department of Agriculture questioned the validity of prior authorizations for the importation of dairy products.
Rodríguez emphasized the company’s commitment to the economic growth of Puerto Rico and urged regulatory bodies to improve the clarity and communication of their processes to avoid future confusion.
In her communication, Rodríguez made reference to an email from July 2020, where an ORIL official confirmed there was no need for regulation of Selectos brand Creamer Condensed Milk, since it did not meet the definition of milk according to the regulations in effect at that time. That precedent supports Selectos’ position regarding the recent actions of the Agriculture Department, the company official noted.
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