Ghana Intensifies Surveillance Over Outbreak of Listeria in South Africa

Meat data

Accra, January 12, 2018//-Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has increased surveillance on food imports from South Africa, following the outbreak of  Listeriosis in that country.

According to Ghana’s Ministry of Health the move would enable it prevent the possible spread of the disease in the country.

The ministry said in a statement that all officers at the various ports of entry had been tasked to be more vigilant and intensify inspections at the ports.

It therefore assured that there was no cause for alarm as it is monitoring the quality of plant and animal products from South Africa keenly.

Ghana is a major trade partner of South Africa. The West African country imports large quantity of beverages and other food items from South Africa.

Following the outbreak of the disease,  Rwanda and Botswana had banned the importation of some food products from South Africa.

According to medical experts, listeriosis  which is a food poisoning infection can be contracted by eating contaminated foods.

It can be transmitted through the consumption of plant and animal products such as meat, dairy products, as well as fruits and vegetables.

When infected it could miscarriage among pregnant women. It can also lead to premature delivery, serious infection to newborns, and  lead to stillbirth.
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