The Enterprise Foods factory in Polokwane has been implicated as the source of the listeriosis outbreak. Health mninister Aaron Motsoaledi made the announcement on Sunday, highlighting that polony was the main source.
He went on to also implicate a Rainbow chicken processing plant in Germiston. The origin of the outbreak that has already claimed over 170 lives, could also have affected Viennas, Frankfurters, Russians and other processed meat through cross contamination. Motsoaledi advised all those who have these products to get rid of them immediately.
Gauteng has had the highest number of cases reported, with the Western Cape having the second highest number of cases.
The bacterium usually occurs in water, soil and excrement of certain animals. The contamination can affect meat products, frozen produce, dairy items and other fresh products too.
Following the announcement, many shops across the country already started removing products from their shelves. All products implicated are now subject to a nationwide recall.
