One of the bags containing the spoilt meat that was seized in Portland. - Gareth Davis

Public Health inspectors in Portland, who carried out inspection on a number of cooking booths at the International Kiteboard World Pro tour festival, discovered more than 150lb of spoilt meat in a six-foot freezer.

The meat was to be prepared and jerked at a stall inside that venue and then sold to patrons.

foul odour

The meat, which comprised seasoned chicken and pork wrapped in black plastic bags, was described by healthofficials as not being fit for human consumption. It was quickly seized, amid a foul odour, which was becoming unbearable. "All of this has to be dumped as it cannot be used for any form of consumption," said Patrick Dehaney, a public health supervisor. "It is already spoilt, and it also possess a lot of bacteria, which is harmful, and if consumed can lead to poisoning."

The foul meat was discovered near an already-prepared jerk fire shortly after 10 a.m Friday, after the Portland Parish Council issued an order for the event to be closed, because event organisers failed to adhere to regulations set by the council.

unsuspecting consumers

Speaking to THE STAR following the discovery, Mayor of Port Antonio, Floyd Patterson, said he believes that persons were willing to cook the meat and sell to unsuspecting consumers.

"The fireplace is already prepared, which is an indication that they had an intention," said Mayor Patterson. "With the added flavour of jerk spices, and the warmth of the jerk meat, it might have been difficult for tourists to detect the rotten taste of the jerk meat. It is because of vigilance and professionalism on the part of health personnel, why dozens of visitors and other patrons will not get sick from this rotten meat."

The Kiteboard World Pro tour, which is being held for the first time in Portland, began last Thursday with an official opening ceremony at the Errol Flynn marina, and is scheduled to climax on April 3.