Public reminded to follow rules for slaughtering animals as Christmas approaches 

By Admin. Updated 4:06 p.m., Wednesday, December 3, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

The Public Health Department said it is requesting that all persons desirous of slaughtering food animals for human consumption for the Christmas Season, to contact the Environmental Health Officer for their district, or call the Public Health Department at 456-1111 ext 4558 by19th December, 2025, to register and to receive the requirements for slaughtering.

In a December 3 public announcement circulated to the media, the department said: “It must be noted that the dressing of carcass should be done under hygienic conditions i.e. (in a manner approved by thedepartment).  Meat must not be exposed to direct elements of the weather (sun and rain) and should also be protected against contaminants (dust, flies etc).”

“Please be advised that pursuant of the Public Health Act No.9 of 1977, no person shall sell or expose for sale, or bring into any market or have in his possession any meat for man, in a tainted, adulterated, diseased or unwholesome state, or which is not fit for food,” the department added in the statement.

The department said, “Therefore, meat that is being offered for sale that was not inspected by a health officer, or which have not met the requirements of the Public Health Department, will be subjected to condemnation.”

All slaughtermen and butchers are also advised to ensure that they have a valid Food Handlers’ Certificate, the note from Chief Environmental Health Officer Mr. Neri James stated.

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