The Department of Health has welcomed Tiger Brands’ decision to settle in the long-running listeriosis class action, describing it as a potential breakthrough in the case that has dragged on for years, following the 2017 listeriosis outbreak in South Africa that affected more than 820 people and claimed 218 lives.
The outbreak was linked to contaminated processed food products, mainly polony and viennas, produced at Tiger Brands’ facility in Polokwane and distributed from its Germiston facility.
According to reports, the settlement offer comes as the class action remains in its first phase, which aims to determine Tiger Brands’ legal liability for the 2017 outbreak.
Damages will only be assessed if liability is proven.
The offer, made on April 25 by Tiger Brands’ lead insurer QBE Insurance Group, targets three groups: those who contracted listeriosis, dependents of deceased victims, and guardians of infected children.
It includes compensation for proven or agreed damages but does not admit liability.
Tiger Brands reportedly said the offer follows earlier advance payments to those with urgent medical needs and reflects its intent to resolve the matter fairly.
Plaintiffs’ attorneys are now expected to present the offer to eligible claimants, with that process likely to take several weeks before damages can be quantified.
Meanwhile, Department of Health national spokesperson Foster Mohale said the government welcomes the development as a critical milestone in bringing the prolonged legal matter to a close for families who lost loved ones to the disease.
“The department acknowledges the roles of all parties involved, including the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), Tiger Brands, Richard Spoor Inc, and LHL Attorneys, who kept the victims and their families at the center of this protracted legal process,” Mohale said.
He added that the NICD is providing necessary medical records to assist in decision-making during the ongoing investigation.
Mohale urged people who believe they have a valid claim to come forward.
“We are appealing to those with evidence linking their loss to the outbreak to assist in accessing clinical records so assessments can be made and closure achieved,” he said.
Mohale said Listeriosis is a serious but preventable and treatable disease caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, which is commonly found in soil, water, and vegetation.
Animal products and fresh produce can become contaminated through contact with these sources.
He emphasised that the outbreak underscored the critical importance of strict food safety practices, particularly in the processing and handling of ready-to-eat products.
“Food safety and hygiene practices are crucial for public health. They prevent foodborne illness, reduce food waste, and help avoid costly recalls,” he said.
He said food safety in South Africa is managed through an intersectoral approach involving the Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC). Local governments are responsible for municipal health services and enforcement of food safety legislation.
“The DTIC oversees all aspects of fish and fishery products, while Agriculture is responsible for meat safety and animal health,” Mohale said.
