THE Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Agricultural Protection Branch (APB) is warning Jamaicans to be careful about the purchase and consumption of meat and poultry, particularly those originating from western parishes severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

“Recent events highlight a significant risk of contaminated or spoiled meat entering the market, posing serious health threats to consumers,” the APB said in a statement last evening.

It said in the wee hours of Sunday morning, lawmen attached to the Manchester Police Division and members of the Area 2 APB intercepted a Toyota Hiace van on the Porus Main Road, carrying the carcasses of four large brown cows with the heads still attached. The driver fled the scene, raising immediate concerns about the origin, handling, and safety of the meat.

“This incident underscores the potential for uninspected and improperly handled meat products to be distributed, especially in the aftermath of hurricane Melissa, which can disrupt supply chains and compromise food safety standards,” the police said.

Senior Superintendent of Police and commanding officer of the APB, Oral Pascoe, said APB officers have since been deployed for duty on shifts that will see them working long hours to stem such activities.