20 Apr 2018 Today’s Listeriosis news wrap: Govt points fingers at meat firms; cases breach 1,000; epidemic declines and hygienic design courses
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said yesterday that the companies which produce processed meat have the resourced labs to test products and should be held responsible for the listeriosis outbreak.
Motsoaledi was answering questions in Parliament about the management of the listeriosis outbreak.
“What we found in the Enterprise laboratory in Polokwane is not acceptable,” said Motsoaledi. Responding to a question about government’s responsibility in the outbreak, he explained that the department had done its best in workshopping environmental care practitioners or health inspectors from municipalities.
However, municipalities are limited in their capacity to out-manoeuvre big companies…..
Fin24.com: Read more
Meat firms might have failed, but what is DoH doing to help industry clean their act? Not much, I presume! Finger pointing is much easier! It is Govt’s responsibility to ensure the food industry recovers – to safeguard jobs, food security and confidence in our food supply! https://t.co/LDA9D5UA9m
— Gunnar Sigge (@GunnarSigge) April 19, 2018
Western Cape ranks second among new #listeriosis cases – IOL
The number of listeriosis cases continues to decline, but Western Cape is ranked second among the number of new #listeriosis cases being reported.
NICD situation update on listeriosis outbreak, South Africa 13 April – FoodFocus.co.za
The industry is engaging on the criteria for listeria management for the meat processing category. Tiger Brands will open its facilities in accordance with these criteria to give all South Africans the assurance of the safety of products produced.
— Tiger Brands (@TigerBrands) April 16, 2018
The product recall process for Enterprise Foods and SNAX ready-to-eat chilled meats has officially ended. If you still have products which formed part of the recall, please contact our consumer helpline on 0860 33 33 10 to ensure their safe destruction.
— Tiger Brands (@TigerBrands) April 16, 2018
Two more people die of #Listeriosis – IOL
While cases continue to decline, it is expected that some new outbreak-related cases could still be reported
More than 400 newborn babies infected with listeriosis: NICD – News24
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases has reported that 412 of the 973 laboratory-confirmed listeriosis cases are babies less than 28 days old.
Listeriosis outbreak: Tiger Brands opposes applications for class action – eNCA
Tiger Brands and its subsidiary Enterprise Foods are respondents in a proposed case over the outbreak.
Listeriosis outbreak: Tiger Brands to challenge lawsuit – eNCA
Tiger Brands and its subsidiary Enterprise Foods are respondents in a proposed case over the outbreak.
Pork industry in crisis thanks to #listeria fears thttp://www.foodfocus.co.za/home/whats-hot/Latest-News/Pork-industry-in-listeriosis-crisis pic.twitter.com/0MUkqkSyCR
— Food Focus (@FoodFocusSA) April 9, 2018
Impact of food safety compliance on growth of food and beverage business – BizCommunity.com
We have, of late, experienced an alarmingly high number of food safety-related incidents, both in South Africa and globally. Re-establishing trust in the food safety industry, in manufacturers, and regulators is more necessary than ever. With a consistent approach to quality standards across geographies, and a genuine concern for developing a safety-centric culture for consumers, this is indeed possible.
Listeriosis: Food safety expert highlights need for clear government regulations – BizCommunity.com
Food safety expert, Dr Lucia Anelich, says the listeriosis outbreak in South Africa has shown the urgent need for appropriate microbiological regulations for processed meats.
Listeria – Hygienic Design Courses
Hygienic design is one of the important tools which we have in the control of Listeria monocytogenes.
To assist processors Andrew Murray Consulting is reintroducing a short course – one that it has been presenting and updating over the past ten years.
In the latest update, the emphasis will be on the design of facilities for the processing of low acid foods, and designs required to combat Listeria and other pathogens.
“Of course, hygienic design remains important in assisting us limit the environmental foot print of our industry – so that we can continue to control Listeria and other pathogens and spoilage organisms without the use of more energy, water and chemicals,” comments Andrew Murray.
See more at www.foodengineering.co.za
Course dates:
Johannesburg: 29-30 May 2018
Cape Town: 5-6 June 2018