Tiger Brands proposes interim assistance for listeriosis victims
The foodborne illness was traced to a production plant in Mpumalanga owned by the company.
Picture: Facebook/TigerBrandsFMCG
JOHANNESBURG - Packed goods company Tiger Brands has proposed interim assistance for some victims of the deadly 2017 listeriosis outbreak that claimed 216 lives.
The foodborne illness was traced to a production plant, in Mpumalanga, owned by the company.
Following investigations by the Health Department, it emerged that most victims had consumed Enterprise polony, viennas and russians produced by Tiger Brands.
In 2022, five years after the outbreak, the Supreme Court of Appeal overturned a Gauteng High Court ruling that required third parties to hand over epidemiological results linked to the outbreak.
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With over 1,000 people affected, talks of a class action emerged, with Tiger Brands seeking a swift resolution.
On Wednesday, it was revealed that the manufacturer’s lawyers are working closely with plaintiffs who need support, primarily for medical treatment.
Attorney Richard Spoor, who represents some victims of the outbreak, says the proposed assistance is still in its early stages.
“What we have now is a proposal from them – I must stress, it’s only a proposal – to provide interim relief to people in desperate need.”
Tiger Brands also indicated it has adequate liability insurance coverage for all qualifying victims.