Pretoria residents warned about potential listeriosis in beef products
While UP professor Dr Rebone Moerane is concerned about a possible outbreak if government doesn't implement appropriate interventions, he says there is no need for panic at this stage.
Warning Pretoria residents to be careful of potential listeriosis contaminates when consuming beef products, a UP professor says there is no need to panic.
Dr Rebone Moerane said his research revealed there could be a potential risk of an outbreak if government departments, industry and other role players did not implement immediate strategic interventions.
Moerane said the research was an initiative between the university and the red meat industry.
“It is part of the biosecurity risk assessment to evaluate the status and risk factors regarding listeriosis following the previous outbreak in the country,” he said.
“We must therefore view the research and outcomes as preventative and proactive measures.”
Moerane said the meat industry needed to conduct educational awareness programmes on foodborne diseases such as listeriosis among the public.
He explained that the improvement of hygiene measures throughout the value chain would prevent the contraction and spreading of the disease.
Moerane recommended that the following steps should be observed:
– Processes at abattoirs should include implementation of microbiological monitoring programmes by abattoir owners.
– Put pressure on relevant government authorities to improve their inspection services and monitoring programmes.
– Appropriate handling and hygiene measures should be followed at home once meat products, particularly ready-to-eat products have been purchased.
– Avoid contamination of meat and meat products.
– Practise proper cooking measures.
He said residents had no reason to panic, adding that they should instead continue enjoying meat.
“We must promote and enjoy our meat. As a country, we are producing the best quality meat and meat products.
“We must safeguard our consumers against potential foodborne diseases and protect our markets, locally and internationally.”
Moerane concluded by saying the metro and the country as a whole could prevent a second outbreak by implementing appropriate surveillance programmes against such diseases to identify potential risks.
Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba referred Rekord to the Tshwane metro when approached for comment.
“Please note our outbreak response team has advised us to refer you to the City of Tshwane as we are not aware of the alleged outbreak,” Modiba said.
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