Tiger Brands, South Africa’s largest food producer, has taken a significant step toward resolving the long-standing class action lawsuit stemming from the 2017 listeriosis outbreak. The company announced on Monday that it had extended a compensation offer to victims affected by the deadly outbreak, which resulted in around 200 deaths and over 1,000 illnesses.
The offer was initially made on 25 April by lawyers acting on behalf of QBE Insurance Group Limited, the lead insurer for Tiger Brands. It proposes settlement to specific categories of claimants who suffered as a result of contracting listeriosis. The company stated that the proposed settlement includes full compensation for verified damages, although the exact mechanism for calculating individual claims is still under development.
Tiger Brands emphasised that the offer is being made “without admission of liability” and also noted that to preserve the privacy of those involved, the specific terms and any payments will remain confidential. The company had previously come under fire after the outbreak was traced back to a factory operated by its former subsidiary, Enterprise Foods, known for producing processed meats like sausages and bacon.
CEO Tjaart Kruger described the announcement as a pivotal moment, highlighting that it builds upon earlier measures taken in February 2025, when the company began offering interim relief through advance payments to victims with urgent medical needs.
Attorneys representing the plaintiffs are now tasked with presenting the offer to qualifying claimants, with damages for those who accept being assessed individually. This process is expected to take several weeks and will ultimately require approval from the High Court to ensure it adequately protects the rights of all affected parties.
In a separate statement, the plaintiffs’ legal representatives praised the move, describing it as an “effective admission of liability” and commending Tiger Brands and its stakeholders for their role in facilitating compensation. They hailed the development as a meaningful stride towards corporate accountability and justice.