Major retailers have started removing ready-to-eat processed meat products produced by Enterprise Foods and Rainbow Chicken from their perishable departments.
This after Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced that the source of the current outbreak of Listeriosis in South Africa is polony, cold meats and ready-to-eat processed foods.
Motsoaledi says the contamination has been traced back to an Enterprise manufacturing plant in Polokwane in Limpopo. Motsoaledi briefed the media in Johannesburg on Sunday.
He says further tests are needed.
In a statement, Pick n Pay says all Enterprise products including the Bokkie, Renown, Lifestyle and Mieliekip brands have already been recalled. In addition, all ready-to-eat products manufactured at the Rainbow facility in Sasolburg are also being withdrawn.
Boxer stores will also be affected.
Earlier Supermarkets in the Shoprite Group also announced an immediate recall of all ready to eat processed meat products produced by Enterprise Foods and Rainbow Chicken from its perishable departments and deli’s.
The National Consumer Commission has issued these manufacturers with notices to recall all products produced in their Polokwane, Germiston and Free State factories and to cease production.
Shoprite says customers may return any Enterprise Foods and Rainbow Chicken processed meat products they have at home for a full refund.
Listeriosis is a serious food-borne illness.
The outbreak has claimed the lives of 180 people countrywide. The confirmed number of listeriosis cases has risen to 946.
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