Citizens of Trinidad and Tobago are being warned of contaminated ginger being sold in local markets. In a statement issued May 10, 2020, the Ministry of Health said it has received reports received concerning the sale, in local markets, of fresh ginger, which has been contaminated with the pesticide Methomyl. Investigations are currently being conducted.

The alleged contaminated ginger was derived from approximately 200lbs of planting material (pieces of ginger sized approximately 2-3inches) that were reportedly stolen from a farmer.

Due to the possible the risk to public health and for consumer protection, the Ministry of Health has advised out of an abundance of caution, that the public should only purchase whole ginger root.

"Methomyl (Lannate) is extremely toxic if ingested and moderately toxic if inhaled. It can cause nausea, dizziness, confusion, and at very high exposures (e.g., accidents or major spills), respiratory paralysis and death. Due to the possible risk to public health and for consumer protection, the Ministry of Health is advising, out of an abundance of caution, that the public should only purchase whole ginger root. DO NOT purchase pieces of ginger less than 4 inches in length."

"The public is also advised to discard all ginger pieces, less than 4 inches in length, which were purchased during the period May 7, 2020 to May 10, 2020. "