The Department of Health has praised Tiger Brands for making an agreement to settle the lawsuit following a shocking listeriosis outbreak in South Africa. This decision marks an important step towards providing closure for families affected by the outbreak, which claimed 218 lives and affected over 820 individuals in 2017 due to contaminated processed meats like polony and viennas from the company’s facility in Polokwane.
The Department recognizes the collaborative efforts of all parties involved, including the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), Tiger Brands, and legal firms Richard Spoor Inc. and LHL Attorneys, who prioritized the needs of the victims and their families throughout the lengthy legal process. The NICD has been instrumental in providing medical records to facilitate the investigation and any resulting claims.
Health officials are encouraging individuals who believe they have suffered losses linked to the outbreak to come forward. By sharing their clinical records, they can help assess the validity of their claims, offering them a pathway to closure after their grief.
Listeriosis, caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, is a serious yet treatable disease often linked to contaminated food sources found in soil, water, and vegetation. The outbreak has highlighted an important need for accurate food safety practices, particularly in the processing and handling of ready-to-eat foods.
Food safety remains a shared responsibility among various government sectors, including the Departments of Health, Agriculture, and Trade, Industry and Competition. Local governments play a crucial role in enforcing food safety legislation, ensuring the continued protection of public health and preventing future outbreaks.
