The Shoprite Group’s housebrand and private label cold meats, sold under the Housebrand, Ritebrand and Farmer’s Deli brand names, are not affected by recall notices that have been served on Enterprise Foods and Rainbow Chicken.
Shoprite and Checkers’ own brands are not manufactured by these two suppliers.
Supermarkets in the Shoprite Group removed all affected Enterprise processed cold meats and Rainbow Chicken polony after the announcement by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, on Sunday March 4 that the source of the present outbreak of listeriosis can be confirmed to be the Enterprise food production facility in Polokwane.
Dr Motsoaledi said tests link the Listeria monocytogenes ST6 strain positively with these supplier manufacturing plants.
The Shoprite Group said customers can return any Enterprise processed cold meat products and Rainbow Chicken polony in their original packaging that they have at home for a full refund. Proof of purchase is not required and opened products can also be returned.
The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) confirmed that 948 cases of listeriosis had been confirmed since January 1 last year, leading to the 180 deaths.
Listeriosis is caused by a bacteria found in soil, water, vegetation and animal faeces, and can contaminate food, especially fresh meat, dairy, seafood. It is prevented by basic hygiene and washing food.