‘Listeria has been around for ages’
SANDTON – People should practise food safety at their homes.
Listeria has always been there but not at the same level that it is at now.
This is according to Food Focus‘s Linda Jackson, speaking at Bidfood‘s food safety and listeria forum at Sandton Convention Centre on 15 May.
Listeriosis refers to the invasive form of illness caused by the bacterium called Listeria monocytogenes. This form of the illness is the more severe of two types caused by this organism.
A microbiologist, Dr Lucia Anelich said Listeria occurs after 24 hours after ingesting Listeria monocytes (explained on pic) @Sandton_News pic.twitter.com/QLszouPiwY
— Charlote Hlangwane-Mofokeng (@Charlote_H) May 15, 2018
An illness that is transmitted via food in this way is commonly known as a ‘foodborne illness’ and the causal organism as a ‘foodborne pathogen’.
Jackson said listeria has always been there but not attended to. “Why is the country only responding to listeria now, is it because there are more babies that are dying or involved?” she asked.
According to microbiologist, Dr Lucia Anelich, listeria has been killing people internationally. “In 2010 to 2015, the United States of America recorded nine cases and two deaths from consuming ice cream.”
A list complied by Anelich on Listeria starting from when the minister announced the outbreak up to date @Sandton_News pic.twitter.com/FBqTvq5TXh
— Charlote Hlangwane-Mofokeng (@Charlote_H) May 15, 2018
However, speaking about where one can find this bacteria in their kitchens Entecom‘s Rolf Uys said the safety of food in kitchens should be managed.
“Your kitchen should be deep cleaned every month, especially the areas that you hardly clean like your handles and behind the fridge,” said Uys.
“Unfortunately, one will not know if the food is contaminated as it appears, tastes and smells normal.”
Anelich said people can avoid this bacteria by practicing food safety when preparing meals. “Wash your hands well before and during food preparations. Wash all the vegetables and fruits well. Store food properly in the refrigerator and separate cooked and raw food,” she said.
Do you practice food safety in your home? Tell us how on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page.
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/198539/listeriosis-need-know/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/201382/doing-it-the-right-way/
