Christmas Meat Inspections Reminder

The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) reminds slaughter men, butchers and livestock farmers of the procedure regarding arrangements for the inspection of locally slaughtered animals in the Cayman Islands during the upcoming Christmas Season.

Ante-mortem inspection, which is the examination of food animals prior to slaughter, is conducted by the Veterinary Section of the Department of Agriculture (DOA). Slaughter men are advised to contact the DoA on 947-3090 to make arrangements to have same done.

Post-mortem inspection which is the inspection undertaken immediately after slaughter to determine if the meat is fit for human consumption is the responsibility of the Department of Environmental Health (DEH). Please call the DEH on 949-6696 between 9 am and 5 pm Monday to Friday to make arrangements for inspections. All post-mortem inspections must be scheduled to be performed by a duly qualified EHO between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. Residents on Grand Cayman may also contact Environmental Health Officer (EHO), Gideon Simms on 925-4582, while those in the Sister Islands may contact EHO, Patience Eke on 916-4201 regarding arrangements for meat inspections.

The demand for meat inspection is usually at its highest during the Christmas season. As such, both departments must be notified at least 72 hours before slaughter to ensure timely meat inspections.

Additionally, meat from carcasses, whether whole or in part of locally slaughtered animals should not be offered for sale unless inspected and approved by the DEH.

The DEH also reminds consumers that the carcasses of locally slaughtered animals that have been inspected by its officers and found suitable for human consumption usually bear the DEH Stamp indicating that the meat has been passed /certified.

Consumers should avoid purchasing /consuming of meat of carcasses that have not been passed 'fit for consumption' by the DEH and immediately report any instances where local meat is sold without certification.