Deadly Listeria Strain Confirmed at South Africa Meat Plant
This week, it was confirmed via a shareholder announcement that South Africa’s Tiger Brands was notified that their poultry plant did test positive for Listeria ST6, the deadly strain of the pathogen that has affected the region for over a month. Previously, Tiger Brands said the bacteria had not been detected at its facility.
Although independent laboratory test results were received in mid-March, the results were inconclusive at the time, prompting yet another round of sample testing to be conducted. The samples were manufactured at the processing plant in question. The plant, along with three other Enterprise Foods locations that also produce polony and other cold deli meat products, have since been closed.
As of March, Tiger Brands acknowledged two class action lawsuits waged against them, totaling $34.1 million (USD).
South Africa’s Listeria outbreak, which is the largest of its kind in recorded history, has claimed 199 lives and sickened over 1,000.
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