By Oscar Nkala, Botswana
Botswana meat producer Senn Foods has taken advantage of the listeria-induced ban on cheaper South African cold meats to position itself as an alternative source of high-quality, hygienic and safer products.
Despite its product quality range that meets international standards, the company has struggled for viability due to stiff competition in a market clogged with cheaper South African cold meat products.
In a product appraisal statement aimed at capitalizing on the recent government ban on South African cold meat imports, the company urged consumers to buy local products because they are safe.
“We would like to assure the public that our products are safe. We regularly test our products and they are manufactured in hygienic plants and we use independent laboratories to ensure they meet our strict expectations and retain the mark of quality.
“Senn Foods prides itself on being the leading producer of fresh and processed cold meats in Botswana. Safe products of the highest quality are produced in line with good hygienic procedures, as well as the strictest processing discipline,” the company said.
The government of Botswana has banned importation and recalled all cold meat products from two South Africa due to the listeria outbreak that has infected nearly 950 people and killed 180 others.
Although the disease has not been detected in Botswana, all citizens who have bought and stocked the quarantined products have been advised to return them to the shops and get a full refund.
