Fresh foodstuffs consumers should focus on the simple health and safety measures to combat the possibility of Listeriosis infection, as laid out by the South African Department of Health.
Importance of Cleaning Fresh Produce
The public are encouraged members to take specific care in how they clean their fresh produce, and to ensure that they are educated as to the basics of Listeria prevention. Good information and effective communication are key to minimising risk.
Monitoring and Collaboration for Safety
South Africa’s Listeriosis is monitored by fresh producer’s originations carefully and is committed to working with relevant stakeholders at fresh produce markets, as well as with suppliers, retail outlets and consumers to stay safe with respect to Listeria.
Quality Assurance in Fresh Produce Markets
The Johannesburg Market has a Food and Quality Assurance Department which is monitoring the controls and safety of the fresh produce supplied. In response to this outbreak, the Food and Quality Assurance Department has performed a risk assessment of the fresh produce identified in the documented Listeriosis outbreak case studies. Samples of these have been sent through to the laboratory for analysis.
Treatment and Symptoms
Although a serious illness, Listeriosis can be effectively treated with antibiotics. Listeriosis symptoms include fever, a stiff neck, confusion, weakness and vomiting, sometimes preceded by diarrhoea. Members of the public suffering from such symptoms should consult their physician. A course of antibiotics will most likely be prescribed.
Safe Handling and Preparation of Fresh Produce
Fresh produce is perfectly safe as long those involved in food preparation follow the basic rules of health and safety. Consumers and those preparing fresh produce meals must wash their hands – and those of children – thoroughly and often. They must also ensure that they wash the food with care, that cooking tools and surfaces are clean, that food is cooked well and that they separate raw meat, poultry and fish from other foods and fresh produce. Provided that these basic measures are taken, families can carry on enjoying the benefits of fresh fruit and vegetables as usual without concern.
Listeriosis Facts and Health Tips
According to the South African Department of Health, the World Health Organization offers the following five keys to food safety:
- Keep clean. Wash your hands before handling food and often during food preparation. Please do not get tired of washing your hands if it means washing hundred times a day, please do it!
- If you are handling or storing raw food, do not touch already cooked food unless you have thoroughly washed your hands and food preparation utensils. In other words, separate raw from cooked food.
- Cook food thoroughly, never eat half cooked or uncooked food especially meat products.
- Food that does not usually need cooking before eating, needs to be thoroughly washed with clean running water.
- For families with no source of clean running water (water from rivers, dams, streams etc.) the water will need to be boiled before domestic use.
- Keep food at safe temperatures. Food to be kept cold should be refrigerated and food to be served hot should be served hot.
- Use safe water for domestic use at all times and use pasteurized milk products.
Source: RSA Group.