MEDIA ADVISORY 27 MARCH 2017 MINISTER ZOKWANA TO BRIEF JOINT PORTFOLIO COMMITTEES ON AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY & FISHERIES, HEALTH AND TRADE AND INDUSTRY ON THE ROLE OF DAFF IN THE LISTERIOSIS OUTBREAK
As the Minister responsible for export facilitation of processed meats, Minister Zokwana will report on the activities that the Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (DAFF) has undertaken in collaboration with the Department of Health; the Department of Trade and Industry to address the outbreak of Listeriosis. The outbreak has been associated with processed meats manufactured from DAFF approved export registered processing plants.
DAFF regulates the importation of meat and meat products, in accordance with the Meat Safety Act, 2000 and Animal Diseases Act, 1984. This includes the regulation of imported raw material such as the mechanically deboned meat (MDM).
DAFF officials at the ports of entry monitor and inspect all imported products of animal origin. All imported meat including Mechanically Deboned Meat (MDM), are inspected upon arrival at the ports and sampled and microbiologically tested for presence of pathogens. Provincial Departments of Agriculture are also conducting inspections at abattoirs and collecting samples for analysis for Listeria.
The National Marketing Council, ARC, the Departments of Health and Trade and Industry will also make presentations to the joint Portfolio Committee meeting.
Date: Wednesday, 28 March 2018
Time: 09h30
Venue: Committee Room V475, Fourth Floor Old Assembly Wing
Media Enquiries Bomikazi Molapo Ministry Spokesperson 0788013711
ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY & FISHERIES
