Listeriosis found in major brand’s cold meats
South African households and stores are scrambling, rapidly removing Enterprise and Rainbow Chicken products from their fridges.
This follows Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi’s announcement on Sunday, March 4. According to his announcement, the government has narrowed down the source of the listeriosis outbreak in South Africa. The virus was tracked down to Enterprise’s Polokwane facility and at a Rainbow Chicken facility in the Free State.
While Tiger Brands has halted manufacturing at both the facilities, South Africans now face the daunting challenge of clearing the food products from their homes. Stores such as Pick n Pay and Shoprite have taken the products out of their fridges and recalled all items that shoppers might have purchased.
Polony seems to be the definite source of the disease. However, Motsoaledi claims other products such as Viennas, Russians, Frankfurters and other cold meats can also be affected, due to cross contamination.
Newcastle stores are also clearing their fridges, safeguarding Newcastillians from possible contamination from the disease.
Since January 2017, a staggering 948 people diagnosed with Listeriosis and 180 people have died.
When discarding any Enterprise products, residents are urged to avoid simply throwing the meats into the refuse bin. It is advised to rather put it in a plastic bag, remove it from the fridge and all other food products.
As Enterprise is undertaking a national recall, consumers are advised to return the products to their retailers.
Since the announcement, Mozambique and Namibia have suspended all imports of the products. Botswana is currently recalling all the products with immediate effect, while Zambia called on South African retail stores in its country to immediately remove the products from the shelves.
While stores are recalling the items, South Africans who have eaten polony and other cold meat products are now stressing. Have you contracted listeriosis? If you find yourself with any of the following symptoms, visit your family physician or closest hospital as soon as possible:
1. Fever
2. Stiff neck
3. Confusion
4. Vomiting and diarrhoea
