KINGSTON, Jamaica — As news circulate about the possibility of ‘plastic’ rice being in the Jamaican market, Jamaicans are also being urged to be vigilant when purchasing meat for consumption.

The warning comes from head of Veterinary Services at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Dr Osbil Watson, who was speaking at a press conference today at the Jamaica Customs Agency at Newport East, in Kingston.

The press conference was called to address media reports of the distribution of ‘plastic rice’ in Jamaica, which today prompted the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) to temporarily cease the clearance of rice at all ports of entry.

When responding to a question raised about past allegations of dog and donkey meat being distributed locally, Dr Watson urged consumers to be vigilant.

He pointed out that it is the consumer’s duty to ensure that they verify the origins of meats they purchase and added that, so far, no one who might be involved in selling such meats has been found.

He admitted that he is aware that horsemeat has the potential to be offered for sale from European markets, but insisted that the Government is vigilant in safeguarding consumers.

He said: “We have our officers at our port of entries to verify, as much as possible, that the products that are being imported comply with our local laws and meat requirements.”