Dr Dawes urges the public not to consume chicken products from washed-up container
Kingston, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesman on Health and Wellness Dr Alfred Dawes has expressed concerns following videos circulating on social media showing members of the public removing boxes from a shipping container which washed ashore in Jamaica, with what appeared to be ‘whole raw chicken’.
Dr Dawes, in a statement on Saturday, urged members of the public not to consume the product due to several health concerns.
“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,” Dawes urged.
“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.”
DR Dawes highlighted several critical health concerns Jamaicans should consider before consuming the product.
“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,” he said.
He also noted that there is a high risk that the chicken may 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,” said Dawes.
The medical practitioner noted further that the poultry has not been inspected or cleared by the Ministry of Health and Wellness or the Veterinary Services Division; therefore, there is no assurance of proper food-handling or hygiene since it was retrieved directly from a damaged shipping container and carried away by individuals under unsanitary conditions.
He is now urging the Ministry of Health and 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.
