Health Ministry to heighten food inspections, water quality testing to ensure safety in aftermath of Melissa

Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton says some 400 environmental health inspectors will be deployed to inspect food establishments in western Jamaica and other sections of the island to ensure that Jamaicans are safe from contaminated foods following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Warning against consuming spoiled or contaminated food, Tufton said that food safety has to be a priority.

He called for the public to be vigilant in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which devastated several parts of Jamaica, resulting in extensive damage and significant flooding.

The health and wellness minister said that the environmental health inspectors will be visiting establishments to ensure that contaminated food is not being sold or consumed, noting that bad food items have already been condemned.

He said attention will be given to shelters as part of efforts to ensure that solid waste is properly disposed of.

Tufton said that where the carcasses of dead animals are in floodwaters, these will be removed to limit exposure to diseases.

Speaking at a press briefing today, where he provided an update on the country’s healthcare system, the minister said that during a period where there is no electricity and thus a lack of refrigeration, meat and other foods may be contaminated, either by not being refrigerated or by insects, including rats and other rodents.

Pointing to the scarcity of food because of the devastation caused by the hurricane, Tufton said he knows that it is a difficult time and that food is precious, but he noted that it can be quite dangerous to consume contaminated food.

He urged residents, especially those in the most affected areas, to discard spoiled or suspicious foods that may have been exposed to floodwaters.

He asked that residents report incidents of dead animals in floodwaters to health inspectors or the police.

Noting that there is an absence of communication facilities in many communities because of the hurricane, the minister said that town criers will be deployed to get information to residents about food safety.

“A number of local committees will be established that will allow for better coordination of relief supplies,” the minister said.

Regarding water, the minister said that a similar approach to food inspection will be undertaken.

Tufton said the ministry will be ensuring that, among other things, chlorine and turbidity tests of water supply sources are done to avoid exposure to waterborne diseases and other health issues.

He pointed to the risks of gastroenteritis and leptospirosis.

Meanwhile, noting that an increase in mosquito populations and other pests such as flies and rats is expected following the storm, the health and wellness minister said the ministry will be stepping up vector control measures.

Tufton said close to 1,000 workers, comprising permanent and temporary staff, are to be deployed across the country, particularly in western parishes, to tackle the issue.

Mosquito fogging is to be ramped up as part of the activities.

Among other things, Jamaicans are being encouraged to wear mosquito repellent, clean up their spaces, and cover containers to limit the spread of mosquitoes.

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