UPDATE Listeriosis: Is the outbreak over?
Over 200 listeria-related deaths were reported in South Africa. The question is if the outbreak is over. The manager of the Department of Health Services for the West Rand District Municipality answers ...
Despite reports that the listeriosis threat is over, the public is advised to remain cautious when buying and preparing food, especially processed meat products.
Themba Makhoba, manager of the Department of Health Services for the West Rand District Municipality (WRDM) said over 200 listeria-related deaths were reported in South Africa and emphasised that it remains important to adhere to certain key rules to keep the disease at bay.
“Make sure that your hands are clean when you prepare food. Wash your hands with water and soap, store food at recommended temperatures and keep it in clean and safe environments,” Makhoba said.
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He said the message to the industry and food processing plants is that environmental practitioners will be visiting them on a regular basis to ensure that food safety regulations are adhered to. He added that this will be aimed at ensuring that the food that reaches consumers is produced and handled in accordance with food regulations.
“During their visits, practitioners will take samples to ensure that hygiene standards are met so that health hazards are avoided,” Makhoba added.
However, Makhoba said, customers also have the responsibility to make sure that every product they buy is from retailers who have been issued a certificate of compliance.
“This means when a consumer buys a product from one of these outlets and they are not happy with such a product, they can simply inform the environmental offices about their concerns,” Makhoba added.
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