South Africa - Meat Product Linked to Large Listeria Outbreak, 180 Deaths

Processed meat has been identified in South Africa's large Listeria outbreak.   There have been 180 fatalities and 948 reported cases.  The product polony, which is essentially bologna in South Africa, was produced by Enterprise Foods, a division of Tiger Brands.  Enterprise Foods is pulling their products from teh retail shelf as well as Rainbow Chicken who also had a product test positive.  People have been asked to return meat to store for refund and to thoroughly clean their refrigerators.

It is amazing it took as long as it did considering the number of cases that occurred since January.  

According to a quote in one news report, it appears the company had been testing product. "Muzi Kheswa of Scottsville said he couldn’t understand how the listeria got past quality control for such a long time, adding: “From my knowledge, all batches of food are supposed to be tested before being put onto the market. If that was done surely a contaminated batch would be positive for listeria and not sold to the public.”

Reuters
https://af.reuters.com/article/commodities07News/idAFL5N1QM0Q3
UPDATE 1-South Africa traces deadly listeria to processed meat, issues recall
March 4, 2018 / 11:36 AM
Reuters Staf
* Outbreak killed 180 people since January 2017
* Source identified as brand of processed cold meat
* Products recalled, consumers told to avoid ready-to-eat meat (Adds RCL comment)
By James Macharia