Four countries in Southern Africa on Monday took steps against South African chilled meat imports made at a factory found to be the origin of the world's worst-ever Listeria outbreak.

Mozambique and Namibia announced they were immediately suspending imports of the products.

Botswana said it was recalling the items "with immediate effect", while Zambia called on South African retail chains in its country to pull the incriminated goods from local shelves.

Since January 2017, 948 people in South Africa have contracted Listeriosis - a disease caused by bacteria from soil, water and vegetation. At least 180 people have died, according to official figures.

Health officials say the source of the outbreak was an Enterprise Food plant in Polokwane and Rainbow Chicken in Sasolburg in the Free State was also issued with a notice of closure after it was identified as one of the sources of the Listeriosis outbreak.