Health authorities urge caution after washed-up chicken container looted in St Catherine
Published:Saturday | April 12, 2025 | 12:06 AMChristopher Thomas/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Following the looting of a refrigerated container of chicken that washed ashore in Hellshire, St Catherine, earlier this month, acting chief public health inspector for St James, Sherika Lewis, is urging residents in the western parish to consume meat only from certified and reputable sources.
Speaking with The Gleaner after Thursday’s monthly meeting of the St James Municipal Corporation, Lewis noted that the St James Health Department has not received any reports indicating that the compromised chicken has reached the parish.
“There have been no reports in St James of that specific type or brand of meat appearing locally. However, our public health inspectors remain on high alert. We are encouraging citizens to immediately report any sightings of the chicken product in the parish,” said Lewis.
She emphasised the importance of purchasing poultry and other meats from authorised sources.
“A reputable source is one that is certified by the Ministry of Health and Wellness and may also have certifications from agencies such as the Pest Infestation Division and the Bureau of Standards,” Lewis explained.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries had issued an advisory warning the public not to sell, distribute, or consume any of the chicken from the container, which carried products under the Brazilian brand Perdix. According to reports, the container had fallen from a vessel en route to the Cayman Islands.
Videos shared on social media show residents removing packages of chicken from the container after it drifted ashore along the Hellshire coastline.
Food safety experts have since raised concerns about spoilage, as the integrity of the cold chain could not be verified while the container was adrift.
“Meats must be stored and sold frozen. The ideal temperature for frozen chicken is at or below minus 18 degrees Celsius,” said Lewis.
“When meat is exposed to temperature abuse, there’s an increased risk of foodborne illness due to the possible presence of harmful microorganisms.”
Lewis also addressed separate reports alleging that condemned food items were being retrieved from the Retirement landfill in St James and resold to the public. She confirmed that while no new developments have been reported, the department is prepared to investigate any such claims that might arise.