Meat products back on the shelves, listeria outbreak declared over

Processed products are now safe for human consumption following Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi on Monday declaring the listeria outbreak in the country over.
Motsoaledi reportedly said they have been working closely with local municipalities who are responsible for issuing the relevant operating licences and they hope to make an announcement in due course regarding the resumption of certain production activities. “Despite concerted efforts, our investigators – both government and private sector, have not been able to demonstrate how the outbreak strain ended up in the affected factory. The announcement means that ready-to-eat processed meat can now be safely consumed, as before the outbreak,” Motsoaledi was quoted.
He emphasised that no cases of listeria due to the outbreak strain have been identified since the first week of June and that over the last two months laboratory results confirmed that listeria cases have dropped to pre-outbreak levels, and therefore, the outbreak of listeria is over. Earlier, it was reported that the bacteria was discovered in December last year and the source of listeria outbreak strain (Lm ST-6) traced to the Enterprise Foods Polokwane production facility in March which caused the facility to recall ready-to-eat meat products and halt production.
Tiger Brands Corporate Communication Director, Nevashnee Naicker indicated that the recall and related costs amount to R365 million net of initial insurance claims and the company further incurs a loss of approximately R50 million for every month of ceased operations. She further stressed that they have completed the deep cleaning and also used the opportunity to complete planned structural refurbishments and process flow optimisation.
“All staff members have undergone retraining during this period in preparation of the reopening of the facilities,” Naicker said.

Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za