End-to-end
waste management

How can
we help?

ContactLinkedInYouTubeInstagram

Listeria makes processed meats hazardous waste

Back to News
The hot topic this week has been the outbreak of listeriosis cases in South Africa. The source of the listeria bacteria has been traced back to an Enterprise Foods factory in Polokwane, resulting in a nationwide recall of Enterprise processed meats, Rainbow chicken and certain Woolworths products.The popularity of cheap processed meats such as polony has contributed to the outbreak which has caused over 180 deaths to date, and this number is likely to rise. The Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi has urged South Africans to avoid eating any processed meats and Enterprise products for the time being until the situation is under more control.

Don’t dump polony

Supermarkets and grocery stores around the country have been refunding people who return their processed meats. This is the smartest way to dispose of any foods that may be possibly linked to listeriosis - take it back to the shop and get your refund.Do not throw your polony or viennas in the bin. “Disposal of any products linked to listeria must be done very carefully,” says managing director of Averda South Africa Johan van den Berg. He explains that if contaminated meat gets mixed with general refuse, it puts the waste workers at risk.Retailers must also dispose of contaminated products responsibly by utilising the services of a certified waste management provider that can guarantee the safe transport and disposal of hazardous waste.Contaminated meat products need to be destroyed by incineration to ensure that the listeria bacteria are eliminated properly. Certified waste management providers have strict measures in place to ensure this can happen while also protecting the health of their workers and the environment.___Averda is a leading waste management provider with over 50 years of experience across three continents. Through growth, transformation and engagement, we strive to find new ways of managing waste while protecting the community and environment. ___By pairing international expertise with local insights, we have secured our position as one of South Africa’s most respected providers of waste management and industrial cleaning services. We also operate in the recycling, infrastructure inspection, hydro-demolition, high-pressure water jetting and catalyst handling industries. ___Follow us Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for the best tips on recycling and the latest industry news. See our Instagram and YouTube channels for more insights into environmental affairs and our work with local communities.