We may have discovered the source of the ST6 outbreak strain of Listeria - but the issue is not over! Now more than ever before it is necessary for the food industry to be vigilant and proactive in eradicating listeria from their facilities. With increased awareness and pressure from consumers and industry bodies around this issue, food safety will be under the microscope.
Prof. Pieter Gouws, Professor of Food Science at Stellenbosch University, shared this tweet shortly after the news of the discovery of the source was made public.
The message is clear: "Don't relax now. The complexities of
Listeria in a food factory should never be underestimated."
Food Focus is still engaging with the industry to help empower them with effective information. We have a Listeria Workshop scheduled for the 8th March in JHB - it is practical, insightful, and taps into the experience and knowledge of a range of industry experts. Topics include:
• Preventing Listeria in processed meats
• Listeria and fresh produce
• What have we learnt about Listeria in dairy? Root cause analysis case study
• Listeria prevention master class
• Top 10 tips - Effective facility design and the role of maintenance
• Cleaning and sanitation regimes in the food industry – are we doing enough to prevent?
• CFA – advice to industry - the importance of hygiene zones
• How to effectively audit listeria programmes
• Testing overhaul
• Recall and liability issues
• The root cause - food safety culture?
Registration is still open for 8th March.
Costs: R850 per person incl.
PLUS - in breaking news, we have an unexpected addition to the programme - Bill Marler, the most prominent foodborne illness lawyer in America and a major force in food policy in the USA. and around the world, with 25 years of experience with foodborne illness outbreaks, has decided to fly in from the USA to engage with our food industry. Read more
Official media release from the DOH names the source of the present listeriosis outbreak as the Enterprise food-production facility in Polokwane. Additionally, preliminary results show that several ready-to-eat processed meat products from the Enterprise facility located in Germi...
