Public Health Warning: Washed up Container with Whole Chicken Products Poses Serious Risk

Kingston, Jamaica. April 5, 2025. I am deeply concerned by current videos and images circulating online,  showing members of the public removing boxes of whole raw chicken from a shipping container that appears to have washed ashore in Jamaica due to rough seas.

While it may be tempting as an opportunity to get free food, I  strongly urge  Jamaicans to exercise extreme caution and refrain from consuming or distributing any of the chicken recovered from this container.

There are several critical health concerns:

Unknown Time and Temperature Exposure: It is unclear how long this container has been adrift or beached, and the chicken has undoubtedly been exposed to uncontrolled temperatures. Without proper refrigeration, raw poultry rapidly becomes a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria.

High Risk of Contamination: The chicken may now be contaminated with salmonella, E. coli, listeria, and other harmful pathogens. These bacteria can cause serious foodborne illnesses, especially in children, the elderly, and persons with compromised immune systems.

No Guarantee of Safe Handling: The products have not been inspected or cleared by the Ministry of Health or the Veterinary Services Division. There is no assurance of proper food handling or hygiene since they were retrieved directly from a damaged shipping container and carried away by individuals under unsanitary conditions.

I therefore issue the following urgent warning:

To the individuals who removed boxes of chicken from the container: Please do not consume or sell this meat. Safely dispose of it, as eating or distributing it could lead to widespread illness.

To the general public: Be vigilant. If you are purchasing chicken from street vendors or food establishments, ask questions. Ensure the source of the meat is reputable, and if in doubt, do not consume it.

To food business operators and vendors: Selling or preparing meals with chicken of unknown and unverified origin is not only unethical—it is dangerous and could result in public health violations or prosecution.

As Opposition spokesman on Health, I urge the Ministry of Health & Wellness, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Ministry of Commerce and the Jamaica Constabulary Force to immediately investigate and seize the container to safely dispose of the remaining goods to prevent further risk to public health