POLOKWANE – Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced on Sunday that the outbreak of listeriosis has been traced to an Enterprise Foods facility in Polokwane.
“The source of the present Listeriosis outbreak has been traced to the Enterprise factory in Polokwane and it tested positive for ST6 strain. The outbreak strain, ST6, was confirmed in at least 16 environmental samples collected from this Enterprise facility. Another factory is a factory in Sasolburg, Free State where polony tested positive for Listeria, but the strain is unconfirmed,” he said.
Min: 93 people which is 85% of those infected who were interviewed by the NICD report to have had polony and other cold meats #Listeriosis
— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) March 4, 2018
Motsoaledi also said that the department was investigating Rainbow products’ processing site in the Free State.
“Polony products have tested positive at Rainbow laboratory but the sequence is not yet known,” he said.
Minister says the strain 6 or ST6 is the strain responsible for the #Listeriosis outbreak pic.twitter.com/WXb5rSuiZ3
— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) March 4, 2018
You may also want to read: Health Minister confirms outbreak of Listeriosis in South Africa
Minister Motsoaledi: As of 2 March, there are 948 confirmed #Listeriosis cases.
— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) March 4, 2018
Those at high risk of developing severe disease include newborns, the elderly, pregnant women, persons with weak immunity such as HIV, Diabetes, Cancer, Chronic liver or Kidney disease.
Minister: The National Consumer Commission will conduct a recall of products distributed locally and internationally #Listeriosis
— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) March 4, 2018
Minister calls for South African to avoid all cold meat products such as Viennas, frankfurters, sausages #Listeriosis pic.twitter.com/46lb6VQ2oD
— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) March 4, 2018
Tiger Brands, on behalf of its division Enterprise Foods, has released a statement saying they are committed to recalling products that are identified with listeriosis outbreak. They are however conducting their own tests as well.
Enterprise Foods prioritises the health and safety of consumers, above all else – we are extremely concerned by Listeriosis.
— Tiger Brands (@TigerBrands) March 4, 2018
We are working very closely with the officials at present to conduct the process and will provide updates to the public on this matter.#Enterpriserecall
— Tiger Brands (@TigerBrands) March 4, 2018
You may also want to read: 48 Enterprise staff members rushed to hospital following Ammonia gas leak
