CAPE TOWN - Woolworths announced that they will be recalling their frozen savoury rice mix product due to Listeria concerns.
We’re recalling our frozen savoury rice as a precautionary measure; if you’ve bought the product please return it to store for a full refund.
More info: https://t.co/He1iGKogZK
— Woolworths SA (@WOOLWORTHS_SA) July 11, 2018
The rice mix has sweetcorn that was apparently imported from the Greenyard factory, that may have been the source of a Listeria outbreak in Hungary.
Woolworths said that recall was a precaution after a global recall was issued by the Hungarian Food Safety Agency.
The food company said in a statement that food safety is of critical importance to Woolworths and that they take all issues regarding the production of their food extremely seriously.
On Twitter, consumers have shown outrage with the #Woolworths.
Here is what they had to say:
Ko Woolworths.... pic.twitter.com/RWvRvOPa3v
— Dorah Pearls (@Dorah25) July 11, 2018
Twitter user Bongz Axelrod said "I have Juice, water & yogurts, should I return those?"
I have Juice, water & yogurts, should I return those?😌
— Bongz Axelrod🏴 (@GratefulBongz) July 11, 2018
Another user named Simone Dias said All the best during this time @WOOLWORTHS_SA, mocking the company and troubled time.
All the best during this time @WOOLWORTHS_SA pic.twitter.com/nuzSFFxVZr
— Simone Dias (@simmydias) July 11, 2018
Miss Tisani has shown her love for Shoprite.
Oksalayo headlines says Woolworths rice not Shoprite rice 😁😁😁
— Miss Tisani (@EzamaCirha) July 11, 2018
Nontando believes that Woolworths is just not worth it.
Woolworths is recalling rice over fears of Listeria | @BISouthAfrica https://t.co/LA5JbIOXno pic.twitter.com/r1LBUGCtvO
Sister Leader is clearly not a fan of Woolworths and their buying powers.
Why does @WOOLWORTHS_SA import listeriosis from Europe in the form of rice with mixed vegetables (corn, carrots and peas)? What’s wrong with South African products? I’m so over Woolies 🙄
— Sister Leader (@kaysexwale) July 10, 2018
Twitter user Thato Xulu is just not here for it and is not here for Woolworths
I'm just shocked to see ukuthi even Woolworths is bring in imported foods so where is the food grown here going?..... #WakeUp pic.twitter.com/2V8aSaYEmN
— Thato Xulu (@JahXulu) July 11, 2018
Robyn Porteous wants to also know who buys frozen rice?
Woolies recalls Frozen Rice as a precautionary measure against the outbreak of Listeria in Hungary and all I want to know is...
Who the hell buys Frozen Rice? 🤣
— Robyn Porteous (@RobynPorteous) July 11, 2018
The company added that none of its other frozen sweetcorn or vegetable products is believed to be affected.
So far, since the Listeria outbreak hit SA over 200 people including 80 babies have died.
The outbreak was linked to Enterprise facilities in Polokwane and Germiston which produced cold meats, including Woolworths’ beloved Salami sticks.
Business Report has reached out to Woolworths for comment and they said that they were warned on the 9th of July by their producer in Belgium about the recall notice.
"We were notified by our producer in Belgium on Monday evening, 9 July, of the Hungarian recall notice for all their products", said Woolworths.
When asked what they would do to ensure that this would not happen again, Woolworths said that food safety is of great importance to them.
"Food safety is of critical importance to Woolworths and we take all issues regarding the production of our food extremely seriously. We work with our suppliers proactively manage and prevent microbial contamination of food and have done so for many years. We have very strict protocols in place as part of our standard food safety management process. To verify the safety of our food products, we implement additional monitoring where we independently have our food products tested randomly", said Woolworths.
"Customers who have purchased the product should return the product to their local store for a full refund. We would like to thank our customers for their continued support and co-operation", concluded Woolworths.