What really led to world’s worst listeriosis outbreak in South Africa
South Africa has had the biggest listeriosis outbreak in the world that resulted in more than 180 deaths to date.
The Conversation Africa’s health editor Candice Bailey spoke to Prof Lise Korsten about the challenges around food safety in the country.
What’s challenging about the pathogen that causes listeriosis?
The pathogen – listeria monocytogenes – causes the deadly disease in nature and uses food as a vehicle to invade the human body. Once it enters the body it “switches gears” and becomes lethal, causing symptoms such as nausea and diarrhoea – and even death.
As with many other food-borne pathogens, listeria can coexist with other microorganisms in water and soil ecosystems or on plants. The bacteria can survive even under stressful conditions, such as refrigeration. It can proliferate even when other microorganisms die off. And it even competes with other microorganisms for nutrients and space.
What does the outbreak tell us about food safety in South Africa?
South Africa was ill prepared for this devastating food safety outbreak. It is perhaps a reflection of the weaknesses in the whole food system.
There are several problems. Pieces of legislation that manage how food safety is handled remain outdated. It means that the systems in place are inadequate. This includes detecting and verifying potential problems.
On top of this there is a critical shortage of regulators, inspectors, laboratory personal, scientists and auditors.
These shortcomings were all evident in the extensive delay between the first reported case in January 2017, the announcement of the outbreak in December 2017 and the source being identified in March 2018. In the intervening 14 months, more than 180 people died and close to a thousand were affected.
In addition to outdated legislation South Africa has been dealing with a lack of effective regulation in the food sector. Industry has relied on self regulation in the absence of an effective regulatory system. Product recall is also not common despite being a requirement in food safety systems.
Due to the gaps in the system companies can become complacent and provide sub-standard products if not pressured to effectively self regulate.
A food safety outbreak was imminent and the scientific community was aware that it could happen – but not on this scale.
Source: iol.co.za