South Africa Listeriosis: Death toll hits 204, fewer cases after meat products recalled

World
Europe

01:23

Meanwhile in South Africa, authorities have confirmed that the death toll from the world's largest recorded outbreak of listeriosis has risen to 2-hundred and-four. But the number of new cases has declined sharply, since the infected food products were recalled from supermarket shelves. CGTN's Angelo Coppola has more.

ANGELO COPPOLA JOHANNESBURG "The latest information we have is that the local and regional recall and destruction of potentially infected meat and meat products had been successfully completed.

Local authorities and international food experts from the World Health Organisation have also inspected the suspected source factories. The owners of those factories are reviewing and implementing new production and safety protocols. We understand that the new processes will be closely monitored by provincial authorities and inspection teams.

As far as the regional fall-out is concerned, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries continues to monitor imported meat and meet products. But testing by Port Health officials, which was implemented as part of initial investigations to determine the source of the outbreak, has been stopped.

The authorities have also reviewed and strengthened their inspection and testing facilities to detect and avoid any future similar outbreaks.

It's also understood that the country's food safety legislation framework is being re-evaluated, but there's no time line for any changes to be implemented just yet. AC CGTN JHB SA."