Filed on March 7, 2018 | Last updated on March 7, 2018 at 04.07 pm

A deadly listeria outbreak prompted the announcement.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) is taking precautionary measures against meat products imported from South Africa.

Authorities traced the deadly listeria outbreak to contaminated meat products from two manufactures: Tiger's Enterprise Food and RCL Foods.

Their food samples tested positive for the strain that was later found to be responsible for almost all the reported cases.

Majd Mohamed Al Herbawi, Director, Food Safety Department at MOCCAE, said: "The Ministry issued a circular informing Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority and municipal authorities in Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah of the immediate suspension of food imports from these two manufactures, denying entry of their inbound shipments, and pulling contaminated goods from local shelves.

"Local authorities should step up screening of South African meat and its products and ensure that only safe-to-consume meat is available in the UAE market."

The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment will also be following-up on investigations carried out in South Africa.