Compensation Granted to Listeriosis Victims
Survivors of the Listeriosis outbreak in 2017 are finally receiving compensation for their hardships.
More than a thousand cases of the foodborne illness were reported by individuals who consumed products from Enterprise Foods, especially their well-known polony.
The bacteria responsible for this illness, which leads to severe gastrointestinal issues, as well as sepsis, meningitis, and encephalitis, was linked to a facility in Polokwane.
Unfortunately, there were 216 deaths, marking this outbreak as the deadliest in the world, according to Reuters.
After a lengthy legal struggle, Enterprise’s parent company, Tiger Brands, has made a significant step forward in the ongoing listeriosis class action by agreeing to issue interim payments to those in urgent medical need.
This progress comes during a drawn-out legal process as the first phase of the class action progresses, where liability has yet to be determined.
In late October 2024, Tiger Brands announced that their legal team is in discussions with the plaintiffs’ attorneys to provide relief for eligible individuals in need of immediate assistance.
This action, though made without a legal obligation, seeks to address the pressing medical needs of the claimants, demonstrating a compassionate response in a difficult situation.
Tjaart Kruger, CEO of Tiger Brands, stated that even though liability is still undecided and the company is not legally obligated to offer interim relief at this point in the class action, the advance payment to various claimants with urgent situations acknowledges the severe conditions they are experiencing.
He remarked: “When we are provided with the necessary information and documentation to make decisions, we will act promptly. Today’s announcement is a significant step forward.”
The class action is currently in its first stage, where the court must determine liability.
If Tiger Brands is found liable, the next stage of the class action will address causation and assess the compensation owed to eligible claimants for their damages.