Listeria contamination triggers food safety concerns in South Africa and the US

Listeria monocytogenes contamination has triggered food safety concerns in both South Africa and the United States involving various meat products.

In South Africa, South African Airways (SAA) subsidiary Air Chefs reported that listeria was detected in beef pastrami during routine microbiological testing. The contaminated product was used in sandwiches served on flights, in airline lounges, and at the airline’s corporate canteen. Air Chefs executive Mphilo Dlamini stated that the detection does not necessarily confirm a human outbreak. The company has faced scrutiny regarding the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for managers involved in the incident, though Dlamini maintained the NDAs were not intended to suppress information or avoid regulatory reporting.

In the United States, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a recall of over 3,200 pounds of ready-to-eat pastrami and corned beef. The affected products, produced on July 16, include Midamar Halal Sliced Pastrami Round and various corned beef brisket products from Bea's Best and Kirsch. While the products were initially shipped to Illinois, Iowa, and Michigan, they were distributed nationwide. No illnesses have been confirmed in connection with the US recall.