KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, has issued a stern warning to the public regarding food safety. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Dr. Tufton emphasized the heightened risks of food contamination and foodborne illnesses due to widespread power outages across the island. He stressed that the lack of refrigeration in affected areas could lead to the spoilage of meat and other perishable items, while rodents and insects could further exacerbate the problem by spreading diseases. To mitigate these risks, approximately 400 environmental health officers will be deployed starting Monday to inspect food establishments and ensure consumer safety. Dr. Tufton urged residents to discard spoiled or flood-exposed food items and report such cases to local public health departments or police stations. He also highlighted the importance of monitoring water quality and sanitation, as contaminated water and improper waste disposal could lead to additional health hazards. The minister warned of increased risks of diseases like leptospirosis and gastroenteritis, which tend to rise after heavy rainfall and flooding. Public health inspectors will conduct sanitation assessments in shelters and affected communities, while vector control efforts will be intensified to combat the expected surge in mosquito, fly, and rodent populations. Dr. Tufton called on the public to use mosquito repellent, cover water containers, and dispose of waste properly to prevent stagnant water from becoming breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects.