MONTEGO BAY, St James — A local businessman of Chinese descent has found himself at the centre of legal controversy after his workers were discovered with forged food handler’s permits.

Wenjie Lin, proprietor of Lin Plus Wholesale located in Anchovy, St James, appeared in the Parish Court before presiding Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton on Wednesday to answer charges stemming from a recent public health inspection.

According to police reports, on April 11 a team from the Public Health Department, accompanied by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, conducted a routine inspection of Lin’s wholesale.

During the visit, officials requested to review food handler’s permits for Lin’s staff — a standard regulatory procedure. Lin produced eight permits, but authorities quickly noted irregularities. Upon scrutiny, all eight permits were found to bear forged signatures. The documents were deemed fraudulent. Lin was arrested and charged with eight counts of uttering forged documents.

In court, Lin’s attorney, Henry McCurdy, sought to defend his client’s integrity. He asserted that Lin was unaware of the forgery and had no intention of deceiving authorities.

According to McCurdy, the businessman had engaged what he believed to be a legitimate service provider who approached the store offering to procure the required food handler’s permits for a fee. Trusting their offer, Lin paid the individuals in good faith, the attorney said.

Also during the proceedings, the clerk of court noted that some of the people who had received the fraudulent permits had not undergone the mandatory health examinations — a public health violation that raises broader concerns about the safety and regulatory oversight in local food establishments.

The clerk also indicated that a statement was outstanding.

Judge Fairclough-Hylton scheduled the matter for mention on June 18, and extended Lin’s bail.