The International Network of Food Safety Authorities (INFOSAN) has advised the public to avoid consuming ready to eat meat products such as sausages, hams, patés and meat saying the listeriosis outbreak is linked to such products.

It further warned the public to avoid patronising “FARMERS DELI VIENNA” products because it has been affected by the Listeria Bacteria. And we know these products will surely be in our supermarkets by now due to our over dependence on imported goods.

What is listeriosis?
Listeriosis is food poisoning caused by eating foods contaminated with the Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) bacterium. In pregnant women, the infection can result in miscarriage, premature delivery, serious infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

Listeriosis affects mainly pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and adults with impaired immune systems.

The International Network of Food Safety Authorities (INFOSAN), which shares Food safety alerts with member states, on other Foods that have been contaminated by the Listeriosis outbreak in South Africa,’ it said,it is embarking on a full recall of the “FARMERS DELI VIENNA” products from South Africa where the necessary regulatory actions will be taken.

‘The Food and Drugs Authority, (FDA) in Ghana is already taking steps to remove the products from its shelves.

For preventive measures ,it is important to respect the shelf-life and storage temperature written on labels of ready-to-eat foods to ensure that bacteria potentially present in these foods does not multiply to dangerously high numbers. Cooking before eating is another very effective way to kill the bacteria.

Let's spread the awareness.

Prevention they say is better than cure.