The recent health scare at the Ocho Rios Primary School in St. Ann has prompted the Government to fast-track steps to finalize a nutrition policy, which has been the subject of discussions for several years.

Some 65 students had to be rushed to the St. Ann’s Bay Hospital on Monday after they reportedly consumed drug-infused sweets they bought from an unfamiliar vendor at the school.

Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton, who spoke at a Post-Cabinet press briefing this morning (October 4) said the nutrition policy is one approach that would help to prevent a recurrence of such an incident.

Dr. Tufton said a consultant will now put together a final report, based on the discussions from stakeholders regarding the policy.

This report will then be taken to Cabinet.

The Health Minister said the implementation of the policy will require training and retraining of canteen operators, among other things.

Those who do not comply could also face prosecution.

Dr. Tufton added that there are many lessons to be learned from the Ocho Rios Primary School incident, including the country’s vulnerability in the care of its children.

The police have asked Devon Holness of Mansfield Heights Ocho Rios to contact the police, in relation to their probe of the school incident.