The large outbreak of Listeriosis in South Africa

Listeria has been found in a variety of raw foods, such as uncooked meats and unpasteurized (raw) milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk.

A total of 557 cases have been reported this year alone, a steep jump from the average of between 60 and 80 reported in previous years. The disease has resulted in 37 deaths.

Listeria is killed by pasteurization and cooking; however, in certain ready to-eat foods, like hot dogs and cold cuts from the deli counter, contamination may occur after cooking but before packaging.

The following foods are being considered by The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD):

– Eggs
– Fruit
– Cured/ Smoked seafood
– Ready to eat meals
– Hard cheeses
– Soft cheese, such as cream cheese
– Ready to eat salads
– Chicken/ Poultry
– Unpasteurised Milk
– Cold meats
– Sandwich spreads/ dips
– Cream/ ice cream
– Root vegetables
– Raw Vegetables
– Mayonaise
– Yoghurt/Buttermilk/Amas
– Processed meat (biltong, sausage)
– Meat spreads (Pate, paste, brawn)

What are the symptoms of Listeriosis
The incubation period ranges from three to 70 days and averages 21 days. This is important to note.

A person with listeriosis may develop fever, muscle aches, and sometimes nausea or diarrhea. The infection can spread to the nervous system, if this is the case, symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions can occur. It can also attached a weak immune system in children or the elderly. This will cause meningitis and/or encephalitis (brain infection). Infected pregnant women ordinarily experience only a mild, flu-like illness; however, infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth.

What makes Listeria hard to control?

* Bacteria in biofilm are able to survive drought, standard cleaning and disinfection
* Listeria is able to form biofilm at various surfaces including production equipment and drains

Pescatech’s cleaning solutions that improves product safety.

All food and beverage companies are at
risk of passing food borne diseases on to
consumers. The UST range helps you minimise
this risk thanks to the best hygienic
design principles.

5 reasons why UST brushware is the way forward:

* Anti-clogging design
* Optimised bristle patterns
* Exhaustive documentation
* Comes in a variety of colours: Pink, green, blue, red, white, yellow, orange and purple.
* Individual moulding (bristles don’t loosen over time)
* Superior cleanability reduced the depth of the UST
brush-head recess, which minimises contaminant
build-up and makes the brush easier to clean.

Talk to a consultant today about Ultra Hygiene Cleaning Solutions.fety.