The popular meal that has a signature appeal in locations, was a bone of contention following the listeriosis break-out in South Africa, that resulted in banning of processed meats including polony.
This week the minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi ‘lifted the ban’ by stating the outbreak of listeriosis in South Africa was over, who said since June there had not been any new reports of listeriosis.
He said it was now safe to eat processed meats, and jokingly said ‘you can now go back to enjoy your kota’.
The health minister initially warned about the outbreak in December last year when the deadly listeria bacteria killed nearly 40 people mostly from Gauteng. More than 700 cases were recorded, which the World Health Organisation said was the largest ever recorded outbreak of the disease.
At the time the source of the listeriosis outbreak was identified as polony and products from an Enterprise Foods factory in Polokwane‚ Limpopo.
But he also warned the public to come forward with any suspicions of listeriosis.
On fake foods, Dr Motsoaledi said recent reports of the sale of expired foods had been proved in some instances, but he said he was yet to see any proof of “fake food” as alleged by concerned consumers on social media.
Some reports suggested that fake food included bread that did not dissolve in water and rice made from plastic.
Motsoaledi said there were many scientists in SA who were ready to test such food as soon as samples could be provided. He invited the public to bring samples of fake food for testing and promised to refund them upon receipt of proof of purchase.
The Government has also declared war on fake products countrywide, in shops and spazas that sell expired or unhealthy products.
