Egypt lifts SA fresh goods ban as listeriosis threat subsides

The department of agriculture, forestry and fisheries says Egypt's government has lifted its temporary suspension of fresh fruits and vegetable imports from South Africa, which stood as a precaution to prevent the spread of listeriosis there.

Egypt had notified the National Plant Protection Organisation of South Africa in May about a temporary suspension of fresh fruit and vegetable exports to that country from South Africa due to the outbreak of listeriosis.

The suspension was lifted on September 4, after Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi confirmed that listeriosis cases in South Africa had been contained and that processed meat products were once again safe for consumption.