South Africa Begins Meat Recall As Listeriosis Toll Hits 180

Photo: CHANNEL NewsAsia: Listeria facts 

South African supermarkets began a mass recall Sunday of meat products made at a facility that health officials say was the source of a listeriosis outbreak that has killed at least 180 people since January 2017.

Listeriosis is caused by a bacteria found in soil, water, vegetation and animal faeces, and can contaminate food, especially fresh meat, dairy and seafood. It is prevented by basic hygiene and washing food.

The country’s second-largest supermarket chain, Pick n Pay, said it had “acted immediately to withdraw all products from the manufacturing sites identified by the Department of Health. All fridges and food preparation areas in our stores will now be re-cleaned to prevent any cross-contamination. Recalled meat is being isolated and will be safely destroyed,” Pick n Pay, which has 1,420 stores in South Africa, said in a statement.

It warned that “a very broad range of retailers” could be affected. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi earlier revealed that the current outbreak began at a facility run by Enterprise foods in Polokwane, the capital of northeastern Limpopo province. He warned that two other sites could also be affected.

The disease mainly affects children and has a three-week incubation period, making it difficult to track. Contamination in humans can result in flu-like illness, infection of the bloodstream and, in severe cases, infection of the brain which can prove fatal. People with compromised immune systems, like some of those living with AIDS and pregnant women, are at a heightened risk, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).





Disclaimer: Stories culled and pictures posted on this blog will be given due credit and is not the fault of drifternews.blogspot.com if website culled from misrepresents source of story.