Police issue meat warning

The Jamaica Constabulary Force's Agricultural Protection Branch (APB) yesterday issued an urgent public advisory regarding the purchase and consumption of meat and poultry, particularly those originating from western parishes severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

The APB said recent events highlight a significant risk of contaminated or spoiled meat entering the market, posing serious health threats to consumers. The unit noted that yesterday, between 5:30 a.m., and 6 a.m., lawmen attached to the Manchester Police Division and members of the Area 2 APB intercepted a Toyota Hiace van on the Porus main road in the vicinity of Coffee Grove Street. The vehicle was carrying the carcasses of four large brown cows with heads still attached. The driver fled the scene raising immediate concerns about the origin, handling, and safety of the meat.

This APB said the incident underscores the potential for uninspected and improperly handled meat products to be distributed, especially in the aftermath of the hurricane, which can disrupt supply chains and compromise food safety standards.

Senior Superintendent of Police Oral Pascoe, the APB commanding officer, said team members have since been deployed for duty on shifts that see them working through the night, as these illegal acts are conducted during these hours.