Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has cautioned the public against consuming meat products imported from South Africa but fell short of announcing a ban of the products like it has been done in Kenya and Rwanda.
In a letter dated March 8th UNBS and signed by Godwin Bonge Muhwezi the Head Public Relations, is titled ‘Public warning against imported South African meat products.’
“UNBS would like to notify the public on importation, sale and consumption of South African processed meat products after a listeriosis outbreak linked to pre-packaged and ready to eat meat products. This outbreak has killed 180 people in South Africa.”
In order to ensure the health and safety of the public. UNBS is carrying out market surveillance inspections in all super markets that are said to be the main importers of South African meat products. This is to ensure that affected products are removed from the market. Analysis of related products is also being carried out to ensure there has been no cross-contamination.”
UNBS says their staff have been notified to impound all consignments of pre-packaged and ready to eat meat products from South Africa until further notice.
Kenya, Rwanda, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Swaziland and Zimbabwe have also blocked the import of the products, including those made by the Enterprise factory, owned by Tiger Brands — which was pinpointed as the source of the outbreak — and others made by Rainbow Chickens.