Six countries ban processed meat from South Africa.

Government in six countries have banned the importation of cold meats - mainly from South Africa - following an outbreak of listeria in that country.

Listeriosis is poisoning caused by eating foods contaminated with the listeria monocytogenes bacterium. In pregnant women, the infection can result in miscarriage, premature delivery, serious infection of the newborn or even stillbirth.

Listeriosis affects mainly pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and adults with impaired immune systems. Babies can be born with listeriosis if their mothers eat contaminated food during pregnancy.

The countries who banned cold meat from South Africa are; Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, and Malawi.