Belize health officials have issued an urgent warning after receiving reports that meat exposed to a delivery-truck fire in Sandhill may be entering the marketplace.

In a public advisory issued on October 23, 2026, the Ministry of Health and Wellness urged residents not to purchase, sell, distribute, prepare or consume meat involved in the incident. The products were exposed to extreme temperatures, smoke and potentially harmful chemicals while inside the burning vehicle.

The ministry warned that eating the contaminated meat could cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, while exposure to chemical contaminants may create more serious health risks. Officials stressed that the meat could appear normal and have no unusual smell despite being unsafe.

Washing, seasoning or cooking the affected meat will not make it safe to eat, the ministry cautioned. Residents and food vendors are being urged to avoid handling or distributing the products and to take the warning seriously.

The incident has also raised concerns about the proper disposal of the damaged meat. Authorities have been working to address public-health concerns linked to the remains following reports from residents in Sandhill.

Anyone seeking guidance can contact the Ministry of Health and Wellness hotline at 0-800-664-2273.

Health officials are urging the public to prioritise food safety and report any suspected sale of meat from the truck fire.