A study reveals concerning findings on Listeria in beef.

VAAL TRIANGLE - Scientists are urging meat consumers to cook beef till it's well-done. This follows the discovery of high levels of listeria pathogens in abattoirs and retailers in at least three provinces, namely Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the North West. Researcher at the University of Pretoria, Rebone Moerane says a study was conducted to see through the value chain, what the prevalence of listeriosis is and what the risk factors are. According to Moerane, the results so far are indicating some serious challenges with regards to abattoirs. He added the Department of Agriculture and the red meat industry are implementing measures to ensure that abattoirs properly clean the facilities and monitor the situation to ensure they reduce the risk, but their biggest concern is more at retail levels. Moerane encouraged consumers to thoroughly cook meat at high temperatures to kill the listeria bacteria.