Health Dept welcomes Tiger Brands’ decision to settle listeriosis class action matter

JOHANNESBURG - The Department of Health has welcomed Tiger Brands’ decision to settle the listeriosis class action, calling it a crucial step towards closure for the affected families.

More than 820 people were infected and 218 died during the 2017 outbreak linked to contaminated processed meat products from a Tiger Brands facility in Polokwane.

The department is urging families who lost loved ones to come forward if they have medical records that may support a valid claim. 

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The National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) is assisting with providing relevant documentation for the settlement process.

The outbreak prompted calls for stronger food safety measures across the supply chain.

Health spokesperson Foster Mohale said that intersectoral coordination on food safety remains critical to prevent future outbreaks.

"The outbreak highlighted the importance of consistent and strict adherence with food safety practices in the processing and handling of ready-to-eat foods, especially for mass supply. Food safety and hygiene practices remain crucial for public health, preventing foodborne illnesses, reducing food waste and avoiding costly food recalls."