Cayman Islands announces Christmas meat inspections
During the festive season in the Cayman Islands, residents enjoy many traditional Christmas dishes consisting of fresh local meat. Based on demand, there is usually an increase in the number of animals slaughtered during this period.
The public is being reminded there is a set procedure in place to ensure the delivery of safe meat to consumers; this involves inspections being undertaken by the Department of Agriculture (DoA), and the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) as the entities work together to ensure that safety standards are met.
Ante-mortem inspection, which is the examination of all animals prior to slaughter, is undertaken by the DoA followed by post-mortem (after slaughter) inspection by the DEH to determine whether the carcasses are deemed fit for human consumption.
Due to the large number of requests, slaughter men and butchers are reminded to call early to make the necessary arrangements for inspections. Both departments must be contacted at least 48 hours ahead of the proposed slaughter time. DoA staff can be contacted on 947-3090 while the DEH can be reached on 949-6696.
The public is reminded that only local meat with the DEH ‘inspected/passed’ stamp is deemed fit for human consumption.
It is an offence under the Public Health Law (2002 Revision) for anyone to sell local meat from local carcasses, whether whole or in part, without having been inspected and approved by the DEH.
Additionally, the public is reminded that for their own health and safety, they should be vigilant and also abstain from purchasing and/or consuming meat from carcasses that have not been inspected and passed fit for food by the DEH.
Senior Food Safety Officer, Gideon Simms states, “In cases where local meat is offered for sale without the DEH stamp, persons should contact the DEH immediately, as this would be in contravention the law.”
For further information and to make arrangements for inspections, contact the DEH Grand Cayman Office on 949-6696, or the Cayman Brac Office on 948-2321. The public can also contact Mr. Simms on 925-4582.
