Since the announcement of the recent outbreak of listeriosis, some social media users have made fun of the situation but for some local business owners, the situation has since raised concerns.
Juliet Sallie, from Reiger Park, who runs Kasi Kos in Goedehoop Avenue, said since the news surfaced about listeriosis her business has been affected.
“People used to buy cold meat specials like hot cakes. Now customers are not coming as they used to. We have thrown away about R1 000 worth of stock that is said to be risky, even though these were not the Enterprise or Rainbow brand.”
Sallie said they are now selling other specials instead, to be on the safe side.
“We hope that the problem gets resolved quickly because, financially, we are feeling the pressure.”
- Kota off the menu
Lloyd Mahlangu, who is a kota business owner in Ramaphosa, said his customers have decreased.
“We do have a few customers but not like before. Those who are coming prefer to buy chips instead of the normal kota that consists of polony, russian sausage, vienna, archar, cheese and chips.
“I think people’s perception is that we are all using the brands that are under investigation, but I am using a different brand,” Mahlangu said.
One customer at Lloyds Fast Food told the Advertiser he will continue eating processed meat.
“I feel that the brand in question is being targeted for some reason and that there’s more to the story.”
Dr Avis Naidoo, CEO of the Tambo Memorial Hospital, declined to comment when asked whether the hospital has treated any listeriosis cases.
Ramaphosa businessman, Lloyd Mahlangu, affected by the outbreak of listeriosis.Here’s what you should know about listeriosis (information provided by the Department of Health).
Listeriosis is caused by a bacteria found in soil, water, vegetation and animal faeces and can contaminate food, especially fresh meat, dairy and seafood.
- Symptoms
A person with listeriosis may develop fever, muscle aches and sometimes nausea or diarrhoea. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms such as a headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance or convulsions can occur. In children, the elderly or people with other health problems and a weak immune system, listeria can invade the central nervous system, causing meningitis and encephalitis (brain infection). Infected pregnant women ordinarily experience only a mild, flu-like illness, however, infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth.
To prevent the spread of listeria, basic hygiene should be followed along with the following measures:
- Thoroughly cook raw foods from animal sources, such as beef, pork or poultry.
- Wash hands before preparing food, before eating and after going to the toilet.
- Wash and sanitise kitchen surfaces and utensils regularly, particularly after preparing raw meat, poultry and eggs. This should be done in industrial kitchens as well.
- Wash raw vegetables and fruits thoroughly before eating.
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