Listeriosis outbreak: All your important questions answered
The origin of listeriosis has officially been traced. Wendy Knowler unpacks this and more on Monday's special edition of Consumerwatch.
Listen below as Darren and Wendy chat about the Listeriosis outbreak in the podcast, then read more below:
Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi announced that the origin of the fatal listeriosis disease has been traced to processed foods.
According to Newswatch, Motsoaledi said that polony was positively identified as containing the bacteria that may have cross-contaminated other processed food products such as russians, viennas, Frankfurters and other ‘cold meat’ products.
Read: Health Dept confirms source of listeriosis outbreak
If you have any of the polony or sausage products named by the health ministry as possible culprits in South Africa’s listeriosis outbreak - especially if they’re opened - remove them from your fridge immediately to avoid contaminating other food.
Read: The listeriosis crisis goes from bad to worse
Big brands and retailers are starting to remove stock from their shelves as it may be linked to the outbreak and have announced that customers who wish to return the products will receive a full refund.
Motsoaledi also urged South Africans, especially the pregnant, ill, and elderly, to steer clear of all processed meat as symptoms of listeriosis can be mistaken as the flu.