South Africa’s Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi today told the press that the source of the listeriosis outbreak in that country has been linked to consumption of polony manufactured by a food processing company in Limpompo.

“The source of the present outbreak can be confirmed to be the Enterprise food production facility in Polokwane in Limpopo. Processed food manufacturers Enterprise and Rainbow Chicken Limited (RCL) have been issued with safety recall notices following the listeriosis outbreak in South Africa,” Motsoaledi said on Sunday.

He added that the discovery was made after a team of inspectors that included officials from the World Health Organisation from Geneva, visited the facility.

Following the revelation, Pick n Pay South Africa announced the withdrawal of polony and related products, from its chain store.

“We are removing products that may be linked to the listeriosis outbreak from our stores. Customers who bought any Enterprise product (incl Bokkie, Renown, Lifestyle, Mieliekip), or any Rainbow ready-to-eat products eg. Polony or Russians can return the product for a full refund,” stated Pick n Pay today around 16:00 hours.

It is still unknown if the Zambian Pick n Pay franchise will also recall the products, as most of its dairy products are imported from South Africa.