Listeria found at Joburg eatery

THE City of Joburg said environmental health practitioners were hard at work following the discovery of listeria at a food outlet yesterday.

Member of the mayoral committee for health and social development Dr Mpho Phalatse said samples had been taken to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases for testing.

Phalatse, who did not name the eatery, called on community members not to panic and to adhere to food safety guidelines.

“We should have results in the next 24 to 48 hours. Residents should report to their nearest clinic if they start experiencing symptoms associated with the disease, especially pregnant women, babies below the age of 28 days, senior citizens above the age of 65 and immuno-compromised patients.”

According to the Department of Health, there are 17 strains of the organism, but not all can make you sick. The major risk in the genus is from L. monocytogenes. It is usually what causes the relatively rare bacterial disease listeriosis, a serious infection caused by eating food contaminated with the bacteria.

At January 16, 764 cases had been reported across the country, with Joburg reporting 212 and 19 deaths.

Environmental health inspectors have issued instructions that premises identified as high risk should be sanitised while tests are being done.

Alcohol is an effective surface cleaner. Quaternary ammonium can be used in conjunction with alcohol as a safe steriliser with increased duration of the sterilisation action.

Phalatse said her department would continue to educate the public about the danger. – African News Agency (ANA)