Concerns over workers' health after authorities identify listeriosis source
The Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU) says it is concerned over the health of its members working in factories fingered as the source of the listeriosis outbreak.
Production at the facilities have been suspended but concerns remain over the health of workers.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has implicated an Enterprise Foods factory in Polokwane, another in Germiston and a Rainbow Chicken facility in Sasolburg in the Free State amid the outbreak of the deadly air-borne disease.
Production at all three factories have been suspended until investigations are concluded.
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FAWU general-secretary Katishi Masemola says they are meeting with the employers in a bid to get more clarity.
"We want to understand what is actually happening and why they didn't take precautionary measures as expected in terms of health and safety standards."
The disease has claimed the lives of at least 180 people.
"We also have concerns over health. Our members may be exposed to this kind of outbreak, and the safety of our members must be guaranteed."
Motsoaledi has advised consumers to remove any ready-to-eat meat products from their refrigerators.