The food and Drugs Authority has intensified inspection at Ghana's ports of entry  following reports of listeriosis food poisoning in South Africa.

Authorities have expressed concerns over  outbreak of the disease caused by bacteria listeria monocytogenes,whose infection  can result in miscarriage, premature delivery, serious infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth.

A statement signed by Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, Minister of Health, says :"All officers at the various ports of entry have been tasked to be more vigilant and inspections have been intensified."

The new directives, the ministry explains, is "in view of the public health concern and to avoid a similar outbreak here in Ghana."

The disease, Listeriosis, is food poisoning caused by eating foods contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes, a release from the Health Ministry explains.

It primarily causes infections of the central nervous system (meningitis, meningoencephalitis, brain abscess, cerebritis) and bacteremia in those who are immunocompromised, pregnant women, and those at the extremes of age (newborns and the elderly), as well as gastroenteritis in healthy persons who have been severely infected.

However the Ministry has allayed the fears of Ghanaians,  assuring that it "shall continue to monitor, investigate and assess the quality of plant and animal products coming from South Africa.

Read the full alert from the Ministry below:

The Ministry of Health has noted with concern the outbreak of LISTERIOSIS in South Africa.

Listeriosis is food poisoning caused by eating foods contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes. This affects some meat and dairy products, fruits and vegetables.

In view of the public health concern and to avoid a similar outbreak here in Ghana, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) is monitoring the situation and has increased surveillance on meat, dairy products, fruits and vegetables from South Africa to ensure that they are not contaminated.

All officers at the various ports of entry have been tasked to be more vigilant and inspections have been intensified.

We are, therefore, assuring the Ghanaian public that there is no cause for alarm and we shall continue to monitor, investigate and assess the quality of plant and animal products coming from South Africa.

Sincerely yours.

Source:gahanaguardian.com