Maple Leaf Foods Inc. has agreed to pay $25 million to settle class claims filed after ready-to-eat meats tainted with Listeria monocytogenes allegedly sickened dozens of Canadians and caused 20 deaths in 2008. The settlement, which must be approved by courts in several provinces, would provide an additional $2 million if needed to fully compensate those filing claims by the July 31, 2009, deadline. The company’s Web site explains the settlement’s terms and notes what those objecting to it can do. Approval hearings will be conducted on March 5, 10 and 20 in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Quebec, respectively.

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For decades, manufacturers, distributors and retailers at every link in the food chain have come to Shook, Hardy & Bacon to partner with a legal team that understands the issues they face in today's evolving food production industry. Shook attorneys work with some of the world's largest food, beverage and agribusiness companies to establish preventative measures, conduct internal audits, develop public relations strategies, and advance tort reform initiatives.

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