SOUTH AFRICA RECALLS POLONY AND OTHER PROCESSED MEAT PRODUCTS

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The Competition and Fair Trading Commission wishes to inform the general public that health authorities in South Africa have ordered an immediate recall of ALL processed meat products produced in South Africa. (Source: https://www.enca.com/south-africa/supermarkets-begin-mass-meat-recall)

According to published media reports, the recalled products are processed meat products that are sold ready to eat (also known as polony), which are produced by Tiger Brands Unit - Enterprise Food and RCL Foods. These products are sold within South Africa as well as exported to other countries.

The recall has been triggered by an outbreak of listeria which is linked to consumption of contaminated processed meat products. It is widely believed that Listeria causes flu-like symptoms, nausea, diarrhoea and infection of the blood stream and brain.

In view of the recall, the Commission wishes to advise members of the general public to take note of this recall from the South African authorities and exercise caution. Further, the Commission wishes to inform all Retailers, Wholesalers and Distributors of South African-made meat products to immediately withdraw the meat products, if they fall under the category of these products of interest, from their shelves for safe disposal.

It is also advisable for Retailers to ensure that all fridges and food preparation areas are re-cleaned to prevent cross contamination.

In conjunction with other regulatory bodies, the Commission will carry out an inspection of business premises to ascertain whether the said processed meat products from South Africa have been withdrawn and destroyed.