KINGSTON, Jamaica – The South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) is urging the public to only purchase eggs from reputable sources.

The Kingston and St Andrew Health Department has noted with concern reports that eggs that were improperly disposed of this weekend at the Riverton Landfill are being scavenged by the public.

A release from SERHA Monday said the consumption of unsafe eggs can result in food-borne illnesses, including salmonellosis.

Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhoea, fever and abdominal cramps. They develop 12 to 72 hours after infection, and the illness usually lasts four to seven days. Most people recover without treatment, but diarrhoea and dehydration may be so severe that it is necessary to go to the hospital.

The 1998 Public Health (Food Handling) Regulation states that “high risk foods”, such as eggs, require the application and maintenance of specified temperatures at various stages of its preparation in order to ensure product safety. Additionally, perishable foods, including eggs, must be stored and displayed refrigerated at a temperature not higher than 4.4 Degrees Celsius.

In the meantime, SERHA said the Health Department is working in collaboration with the police to locate and destroy the eggs