The St Catherine Health Department is intensifying efforts to strengthen food-safety standards across the parish and will be undertaking a food inspection drive in the Hellshire area of Portmore.

According to Deputy Chief Public Health Inspector for St Catherine, Denese Douglas, officers will undertake rapid inspections to assess the sanitary conditions of food establishments and determine their compliance with licensing and permit requirements.

Addressing the monthly meeting of the St Catherine Municipal Corporation in Spanish Town on June 11, Douglas noted that the exercise forms part of a broader strategy to improve adherence to public health food handling regulations and safeguard consumers.