‘NSNP safe from listeriosis’

LIMPOPO – Since the outbreak of listeriosis in January last year, 47 people in Limpopo have contracted the disease and and nine have died.

Following Sunday’s confirmation by Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, that the source of the nationwide outbreak was the Enterprise factory in Polokwane, many people are worried about their families’ health.

“While we know polony is definitely implicated, there is a risk of cross-contamination of other ready-to-eat processed meat products.

“We advise the public to avoid all processed meat products that are sold as ready-to-eat,” Motsoaledi said.

The Department of Basic Education assured parents on Monday that the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) is safe from the listeriosis outbreak.

“The food served to over nine million learners daily as part of the NSNP is safe and excludes these types of meat products,” the statement released by the department said.

“However, we would like parents and the greater school community to remain vigilant as these food items often form part of packed lunches or are sold to learners by external food vendors outside of schools or at tuckshops.”

The cause of the outbreak strain ST6 was confirmed in 16 environmental samples collected from the Enterprise facility.

Stores and manufacturers across the country have issued recalls on all products related to the contamination and consumers can return the goods to stores across the country for a full refund.

Following Motsoaledi’s announcement, Tiger Brands released a press statement stating food safety and the safety of their consumers remain their highest priority.

“We can confirm that we have, with immediate effect, undertaken a full national recall of the affected Enterprise ready-to-eat meat product range,” Lawrence MacDougall, Chief Executive Officer at Tiger Brands, said.

Products from Rainbow Chicken Limited (RCL) were also tested to determine the source of the listeriosis outbreak but test results are still pending.

capvoice@nmgroup.co.za