South African food giant Tiger Brands has taken a decisive step towards resolving a long-standing class action by offering compensation to victims of the deadly 2017 listeriosis outbreak, which claimed nearly 200 lives and left more than 1,000 people seriously ill.
In a statement released Monday, the company confirmed that its lead insurer, QBE Insurance Group, tabled the compensation offer on 25 April 2025. The offer targets specific groups of claimants affected by the outbreak, which was linked to processed meat products manufactured by Enterprise Foods, a Tiger Brands subsidiary.
According to the company, the proposed settlement covers full compensation for all proven damages, though the mechanisms for determining individual claims are still being finalised. In line with privacy protocols, no details regarding the amounts or structure of payments will be made public.
The 2017 listeriosis crisis, considered one of the worst foodborne disease outbreaks globally, was traced back to ready-to-eat meat products distributed nationwide. The incident triggered widespread public health concerns and prompted a flood of legal claims from affected families.
Tiger Brands Chief Executive Officer Tjaart Kruger described the development as a “milestone moment” for the company and the victims involved. “This announcement builds on the steps taken in February 2025, when we initiated interim relief through advance payments to claimants facing urgent medical needs,” Kruger said.
The plaintiffs’ legal representatives are now expected to present the offer to qualifying victims. Those who accept will undergo an assessment process to determine the value of their damages—a process anticipated to span several weeks.
Before the agreement can be implemented, the High Court must assess and approve the settlement to ensure it adequately protects the rights and interests of all class members, including those without direct legal representation.
This latest move signals a shift toward accountability and restitution following years of legal wrangling. For many victims and their families, the outcome could bring long-awaited closure to one of South Africa’s most devastating public health tragedies.