Manchester Health Department urges caution as ackee poisoning incidents increase
MANCHESTER, Jamaica— The Manchester Health Department is urging the public to be cautious in the preparation and consumption of ackee to avoid poisoning.
The warning which was issued on Thursday comes after the health department reported five cases of ackee poisoning over the past two weeks.
Medical Officer of Health for Manchester Dr Nadine Williams explained that only fit and well opened ackees are to be used by householders as ackee should be allowed to open naturally and fully on the tree before it is picked and eaten or sold.
“We are encouraging persons to be cautious in how they prepare the ackee. Improperly prepared ackee can lead to a high level of the hypoglycin toxin usually found in higher quantities in the unripe fruit and the seed and the pink or red membrane inside of the fit fruit. The seed and pink/red membrane should be removed, the ackee washed and then boiled by itself after which the water must be discarded,” Dr. Williams explained.
The medical officer of health explained that the symptoms of ackee poisoning include vomiting, stomach cramps, abdominal pain, dizziness, diarrhoea and sweating.
“The blood sugar levels can fall to a critically low level leading to death. If these symptoms are experienced after an ackee meal, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and have a sweet drink on the way to the hospital,” Dr Williams advised.