From Department of Health

DEH Environmental Health Officers performing a post-mortem inspection to determine if the meat is fit for human consumption.

Grand Cayman, December 7, 2023 – Slaughtermen, butchers and livestock farmers are reminded to contact the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) at least 72 hours in advance of the proposed slaughter time, to make arrangements for post-mortem meat inspections. 

Post-mortem inspections are the responsibility of the DEH and are undertaken by Meat/Food Safety Officers immediately after slaughter to determine if the meat is fit for human consumption.

To arrange post-mortem inspections, please call the DEH on 949-6696 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. or email [email protected]. Grand Cayman residents may also contact Environmental Health Officer (EHO), Gideon Simms on 925-4582, while those in the Sister Islands may contact EHO, Augustine Thomas on 936-5925 regarding arranging meat inspections.

The examination of food animals prior to slaughter (ante-mortem inspection) is also required. This inspection is conducted by the Veterinary Section of the Department of Agriculture (DOA). Slaughtermen are advised to contact the DOA on 947-3090 to make arrangements to have the same done prior to requesting DEH for a post-mortem inspection.

Butchers and consumers are also reminded that based on the DEH Guidelines, all meat being offered for sale or consumption to the general public, must be inspected and approved by the DEH. Meat from locally slaughtered animals that have been inspected by DEH officers and found suitable for human consumption usually bears the department’s stamp indicating that the meat has been passed /certified.           

Any instance where local meat is sold without certification should be immediately reported to the DEH.