Today, Tiger Brands, the largest food producer in South Africa, proposed compensation for listeriosis victims, marking a significant step toward settling a class action lawsuit stemming from a 2017 outbreak that resulted in approximately 200 fatalities and over 1,000 illnesses. The company stated that this offer is made without admission of liability.

The proposal was presented by the attorneys of Tiger Brands’ primary insurer, QBE Insurance Group Limited, and includes full compensation for all verified damages, contingent upon a settlement mechanism that is yet to be finalized, including the assessment of individual damages.

The listeriosis outbreak in January 2017 was linked to a factory operated by a subsidiary of Tiger Brands, Enterprise Foods, which produces processed meats.

Listeriosis is a type of foodborne illness caused by the consumption of food contaminated with Listeria bacteria. Typical symptoms include fever, headaches, and diarrhea. This condition can lead to serious health complications, such as severe sepsis, meningitis, or encephalitis, which may result in long-term disabilities or even fatalities. Individuals at higher risk for severe illness include the elderly, fetuses, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals.

The plaintiffs’ attorneys will relay the offer to eligible claimants, and damages will be calculated for those who accept it, a process anticipated to take several weeks. The High Court must review and approve the agreement before it can be implemented to ensure it adequately safeguards the interests of class members.

In a separate statement, the plaintiffs’ attorneys expressed their satisfaction with Tiger Brands’ “effective admission of liability”. They praised the company, its shareholders, and insurers for their commitment to compensating the victims.