Wolwehoek polony factory is listeria-free, RCL Foods says
RCL Foods’ Wolwehoek polony plant in the Free State has been cleared as a suspect in listeria deaths by tests done by a French laboratory. RCL, which was created by the merger of Rainbow Chicken and Foodcorp in 2013, said in a statement on Friday morning that the ST6 listeria strain blamed for more than 180 deaths had not been found in its factory. "Tests conducted by an independent laboratory in France, which is considered to be a leading expert in this field, have shown that the plant is clear of the ST6 listeria strain," RCL Foods said. After nine children were admitted to Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital with febrile gastroenteritis on January 12, environmental health practitioners inspected a crèche and found polony from Tiger Brands and RCL, thought to be responsible. On March 9, Tiger Brands issued a statement saying the Department of Health had confirmed the presence of the ST6 strain of listeria in the Polokwane factory of its subsidiary, Enterprise Foods. "Rainbow polony pr...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.