Tiger closes meat facility

Chisom Jenniffer Okoye

Despite Tiger Brands closing yet another one of its processed meat producing facilities – this time in Pretoria – the company still insists it is not linked to the almost 180 deaths as a result of the Listeria monocytogenes ST6 (LST6) strain. The food giant announced yesterday that due to extensive testing of products at production facilities, its factory in Pretoria was suspended from operating in addition to its already shut factories in Germiston and Polokwane.

This is due to the discovery of the listeriosis strain within facilities, including Enterprise meats.

“[We] discovered the presence of very low levels of listeria at the Pretoria meat processing factory … these results have been sent for whole genome sequencing,” said Tiger Brands.

Tiger Brands said although levels of the listeria presence were “within the range of government standards”, they took a “precautionary” measure of shutting down the Pretoria factory. It has since recalled all Snax products manufactured at the facility.

Tiger Brands said while the link between their products, illnesses and deaths associated with listeriosis remain unclear, its products are undergoing tests.

Tiger Brands’ CEO Lawrence MacDougall said: “Although no link has yet been confirmed between the presence of [listeria

monocytogenes, LST6] at our Polokwane plant and the loss of life, I deeply regret any loss of life and offer my heartfelt condolences to those who have lost loved ones. We acknowledge that we are dealing with a national crisis and want to assure the public if a tangible link is established between our products and listeriosis fatalities, Tiger Brands will take steps to consider and address valid claims.”