A food establishment in Montego Bay, St James, is now under scrutiny after a crocodile carcass was discovered by health inspectors from the St James Health Department during an inspection last month.

The establishment was reported to have been shut down prior to the discovery and was undergoing a follow-up inspection when the meat was found.

The discovery has sparked a public debate about the growing demand for exotic meats in the island’s culinary scene. While some consumers view crocodile meat as a delicacy, others question the legality and ethics of sourcing such products.

Authorities, such as the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), have been intensifying their investigation to bring individuals involved in the hunt, capture, sale, purchase, and consumption of the endangered animal before the law.

There have been previous reports of crocodile meat being sold at eateries in Kingston and St Andrew, Westmoreland, Clarendon, and St Elizabeth.

However, the recent discovery in St. James has ignited several reactions on social media, with users sharing their reactions. Some users have defended the practice, calling the meat an expensive delicacy.

“Crocodile meat is expensive and a delicacy, so I don’t believe the Jamaican population should be worried about it. I bet a million it is a top-class restaurant. Bought some in 1992 in Florida for $20, the size of a chicken nugget,” @IamMcIn49533978 tweeted on X. While @Truth_Rights39 said, “Looks very scrumptious to me; it looks like fish. Heard it tastes like a little chicken mixed with fish.”

Others, however, have raised concerns about integrity and health risks associated with the practice.

“We really have to be careful where we eat or buy meat!!” @Loraine cautioned in a tweet.

While @AndrewDunn001876 said: “The majority of reptiles, especially crocodiles, have salmonella in their stomachs. While processing the meat, germs may be transferred.”

“Integrity is on its deathbed in Jamaica. It’s now all about the money. Can’t trust anybody,” said @66MyGuide.

The consumption of crocodile meat is very popular in other parts of the world, such as the United States, India, Australia, and China.

Research has shown that there are public health risks associated with this practice. Infectious agents and chemical substances are potentially capable of contaminating the meat of crocodiles, thus posing a danger to human handlers and consumers. There is a distinct possibility of contamination with salmonella, depending on the housing, feed, slaughter technique, and hygiene practices under which the animal is reared.

Despite the Health Department’s decision to keep the name of the establishment anonymous, they have disclosed that the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has since been contacted, and they are in the process of taking legal action against the offender.

Calls by Our Today to NEPA’s Public Education and Corporate Communication Branch remained unanswered up to publication time.

It is illegal under the Wildlife Protection Act to catch or kill crocodiles or have any part of the animal in one’s possession. Persons found in breach will be liable to a fine of $100,000 or 12 months imprisonment.