Gauteng’s MEC of Economic Development Environment Agriculture and Rural Development Lebogang Maile (MPL) notes the findings released by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) confirming that listeriosis cases have now risen to 872 nationwide since the beginning of last year (2017).

According to the report the bacteria has claimed the lives of 164 to date, with Gauteng  leading the pack. The NICD report further indicates that 60% of the cases have occurred in Gauteng, followed by the Western Cape with 13% and KwaZulu-Natal at 7%.

“The findings are quite worrying and disturbing; and this requires our Veterinary Services to be vigilant at facilities that fall within their scope in terms of the legislative frame-work and play their part in containing the spread of this bacterium in the province”, says MEC Lebogang Maile.

Listeriosis is a rare infection mainly caused by eating food contaminated with a specific bacterium which is found in soil, water and vegetation. Listeriosis can be treated if reported on time and can be prevented if good hygiene is practised. The Department of Health has proffered the five keys of prevention which are available on their website (www.health.gov.za).

To date the department has instituted the following action; samples have been taken from all active abattoirs in Gauteng and where necessary deep cleaning has been instituted.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s (GDARD’s) veterinary service are hard at work to avert the spread of the bacterium in the province. A dedicated team of able men and women has devised a comprehensive strategy for the province, working in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and affected parties.

“Even though the findings are scary, we have the situation under control in the province. The report from our Veterinary Services shows that we have the situation well under control, and we urge everybody to support our initiatives”, continued MEC Maile.

MEC Maile has urged Gautengers to adhere to basic food hygiene principles as outlined in the World Health Organisation’s ‘Five Keys to Safer Food’ programme. The core ‘commandments’ of food hygiene are –

• Keep clean: wash your hands before handling food and often during food preparation;
• Separate raw and cooked: separate raw meat, poultry and seafood from other foods;
• Cook thoroughly: cook foods thoroughly, especially meat, poultry, eggs and seafood;
• Keep food at safe temperatures: refrigerate and reheat foods correctly; and
• Use safe water and raw materials: use safe water or make it safe (by boiling); choose foods processed for safety such as pasteurised dairy products; wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, especially if eaten raw.

GDARD is working with other relevant stakeholders continues to monitor and coordinate the outbreak response plan.
 

Issued by Gauteng Provincial Government