Public Health : Government raises alarm over infected ham sold in Cameroon
The Minister of Public Health, Andre Mama Fouda has signed a release cautioning against the consumption of all white ham products produced by a French company, Paul Predault.
The Public Health Minister’s release comes after one from the Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries asking dealers to stop the distribution of the product.
This call comes in the wake of disclosures that some white ham produced by Paul Predault, sold in Cameroon is contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes.
Due to the health risk caused by this germ, competent authorities were quick to stop the importation, distribution and sale of this white ham in Cameroon.
The Minister of Public Health calls for maximum vigilance and cautions the public on the consumption of all transformed meat products.
History of the contamination alert
On 13th February 2018, the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food published a list of products from ham produced by Paul Predault contaminated with Listeria Monocytogenes.
The french company heeded to its government’s recommendation and withdrew all of its products produced between 16th to 26th January 2018.
Investigations carried out indicate that some of the banned products are in the market in Cameroon.
It is after the unfortunate finding that the Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries placed a ban on the product.
Reference of the Banned Product
Name: Jambon cuit tranches
Concerned marks: Le Foue, Carrefour, Grand Jury, Casino, Monoprix, Leader Price, St Alby
Other measures taken by Government
On 20th February 2018, the Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries called on all Regional Delegates to get on the offensive.
He called for a general inspection of all companies involved in the importation, storage, distribution and sales of dairy products to ensure that all white ham products by Paul Predault must have been withdrawn.
About Listeria Monocytogenes
Listeria Monocytogenes is a food-borne pathogen responsible for listeriosis, a sickness with a high mortality rate.
According to the Centre for Disease Control, pregnant women and newborns, adults aged 65 or older and people with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable to the pathogen.
Eleanor Ayuketah
Excellent piece!
Thank you.