~~Adz:Left~~Basseterre, St. Kitts (October 10, 2006): The Consumer Affairs Department has sent out a press release advising residents of the Federation not to consume specific foods imported from the United States that may have E-coli contamination.
These foods are uncooked spinach, fresh lettuce, bottled carrot juice and ground beef which were grown or processed in the U.S. According to information relayed by the United States Food and Drug Administration to the local Standards Bureau and Multipurpose Laboratory, contaminated spinach may have been shipped to the region.
Although at present there is no definitive evidence that a shipment of the contaminated spinach and other goods is presently in the Federation, precautions are being taken and residents are advised not to eat any of the mentioned foods in their uncooked or un-pasturized state. This is due to the fact that the poisoning caused by the Escherichia Coli bacteria or E-coli can cause diarrhea and bloody stools and in extreme cases, kidney damage and death.
~~Adz:Right~~Further, the Department of Consumer Affairs advises all sellers and distributors of spinach, lettuce, bottled carrot juice and ground beef that they have to inform their customers of their products overseas origin. Also, it is the responsibility of all who sell or serve ready-to-eat foods to ensure that the food is safe for human consumption.
The Department of Consumer Affairs in collaboration with the relevant agencies including the Ministry of Health is thoroughly investigating incoming reports and a joint statement will be released to the general public when the investigation concludes.
Consumers with queries pertaining to possible E-coli contaminated spinach, lettuce, carrot juice or ground beef can visit the Consumer Affairs Department, Scotch House, Church Street, Basseterre or call 465-2521 ext. 1550 for Director Perry Peets or Officers Charles Hazel at ext. 1546 and Vincent Fough at ext. 1547.
~~Adz:Left~~Information can also be obtained from the Environmental Health Departments in Nevis at the Nevis Island Administration, Charlestown or by calling Mr. Stedroy Williams at 469-5521 ext. 2052.
