Health inspectors to assess food safety

Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) have been deployed across the island to assess food safety conditions at hotels, supermarkets, restaurants, food storage facilities, and processing plants.

According to the Ministry of Health and Wellness, several food establishments in the hardest-hit parishes sustained severe flooding, leading to extensive damage. Prolonged power outages have also caused widespread spoilage of perishable items, posing serious risks to public health.

Portfolio Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said the deployment of PHIs is aimed at protecting consumers and preventing food-borne illnesses during the recovery phase.

Speaking at a media briefing on Saturday, Tufton announced that approximately 400 PHIs will be dispatched starting today to carry out inspections at food establishments.

"During this [post-hurricane] period when we have no electricity, the probability of food poisoning and food contamination is greatly increased. With refrigeration [being] non-existent in [the affected areas], meat kinds and other types of food may be contaminated either by not being refrigerated, or by rodents and other such insects that could spread diseases," he cautioned.

The Minister explained that the inspections will focus on identifying and condemning spoiled or contaminated food items to help prevent outbreaks of food-borne illnesses.

Additionally, PHIs are working closely with farmers and local authorities to ensure the safe and sanitary disposal of animal carcasses resulting from the hurricane.