Health authority calls for public to report food safety violations

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Jan 21, 2026 07:50 AM | Health
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The South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) has issued a direct call to action, empowering residents to become frontline defenders of public health by reporting unsafe food handling practices they witness anywhere from high-street restaurants to local cook shops and street vendors.

The campaign, announced Tuesday, underscores that food safety is a shared responsibility between regulators, business operators, and the consuming public. SERHA is mobilising citizens across the parishes of Kingston & St. Andrew, St. Catherine, and St. Thomas to be vigilant and report observed violations.

“Compliance with food safety regulations is mandatory and critical to preventing foodborne illnesses,” a SERHA spokesperson stated, reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to safeguarding community health. “Timely reporting from the public is an invaluable tool that helps our inspectors take swift, targeted action.”

The Authority has outlined a clear list of reportable offences, including poor personal hygiene of food handlers, improper storage of perishables, visibly unsanitary conditions in preparation areas, and unsafe food preparation methods. The scope of establishments covered is extensive, ranging from supermarkets, bakeries, and meat markets to school canteens, bars serving food, and mobile food vendors.

Food operators are simultaneously reminded of their legal and ethical duty to maintain pristine environments, adhere to strict sanitation standards, and ensure safe handling, storage, and preparation of food at all times.

“Every report from a concerned citizen helps us pinpoint risks and uphold standards across the region,” the spokesperson added, noting that public vigilance significantly enhances the effectiveness of routine inspections.

To facilitate easy reporting, SERHA has published the direct contact numbers for the local health departments:

Kingston & St. Andrew Health Department: (876) 926-1550–2
St. Catherine Health Department: (876) 749-0925
St. Thomas Health Department: (876) 317-9547

The initiative marks a proactive step towards a more collaborative food safety ecosystem. SERHA’s message is clear: protecting the population from foodborne diseases is a community-wide mission, and an informed, engaged public is essential to its success.