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Listeriosis Victims Move Closer to Justice as Tiger Brands Offers Settlement

Published

5 months ago

May 13, 2025

zaghrah

Victims of South Africa’s deadly 2017–2018 listeriosis outbreak may finally be on the verge of justice, as Tiger Brands has made its first settlement offer since the class action lawsuit was certified. The offer, extended through Tiger Brands’ lead reinsurer, QBE Insurance Group, marks a critical step in holding the food giant accountable for one of the world’s worst listeriosis outbreaks.

A Breakthrough for Certain Victims

The conditional settlement applies specifically to victims affected by the ST6 strain of Listeria monocytogenes, the same strain traced back to Tiger Brands’ Enterprise Foods factory in Polokwane.

The offer targets:

Individuals who contracted listeriosis (or whose mothers did during pregnancy) caused by the ST6 strain.
Dependents of legal breadwinners who died from ST6-related listeriosis.
Legal guardians of individuals who contracted the disease while under their care.

In a statement, Tiger Brands CEO Tjaart Kruger described the development as a “milestone” and pointed to prior interim relief measures taken in February 2025.

“Today’s announcement represents an important milestone… It also demonstrates our commitment to continue to work closely with our insurers and their appointed attorneys to explore a resolution of the entire class action,” said Kruger.

Legal Teams Welcome the Move — With Caveats

Nilesthra Padayachee, one of the lawyers leading the class action, welcomed the offer as the first sign of the company taking responsibility.

“This commitment demonstrates the first step towards Tiger Brands taking responsibility for the devastating harm caused by the outbreak. It is a significant breakthrough… It reflects a positive movement towards corporate responsibility and justice for all victims,” said Padayachee.

However, not everyone is included.

Victims Left Out Express Frustration

While the offer was celebrated by many, some victims and their families expressed frustration over being excluded.

Candice Dupreez and Shereen Louw, parents of two children who continue to suffer long-term health complications, said they were not considered in the settlement.

“Tiger Brands have not taken any responsibility for the pain and trauma they have caused us and our children… Our children continue to suffer severe back pains and other complications due to the outbreak,” said Dupreez.

They say they’ve received little communication from the lawyers and are left feeling abandoned despite being part of the class action.

Health Department Welcomes the Move

The Department of Health has welcomed the development, urging more families to come forward if they believe they have a valid claim.

Spokesperson Foster Mohale emphasized the importance of stricter food safety controls to prevent future tragedies.

“The outbreak highlighted the importance of consistent and strict adherence with food safety practices… Food safety and hygiene practices remain crucial for public health.”

A Step Forward, But Justice Still Pending

While the conditional settlement is a positive development, it only addresses a portion of the victims—those linked specifically to the ST6 strain.

As more victims come forward and legal negotiations continue, the path to full accountability remains ongoing. But for many, the offer signals the long-overdue recognition of the suffering caused by the listeriosis outbreak—and a crucial step toward justice.