Maple Leaf Listeriosis Litigation Settled; Claims Process Established

Courts in Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec have approved a nationwide settlement of claims filed by those allegedly affected by consuming Listeria-tainted meat products produced by Maple Leaf Foods. The 2008 outbreak reportedly sickened 57 people in seven Canadian provinces, and the Listeria strain was purportedly ruled to be the “underlying or contributing cause” in the death of 22 of them. Anyone who consumed the products, estimated at 5,200, may submit a claim for compensation.

With symptoms lasting no longer than 48 hours and with no medical proof, claimants can recover $750. With physical symptoms lasting longer than 48 hours and with medical proof, claimants are eligible to recover $3,000 to $125,000. Psychological trauma, with medical proof, will be compensated at $2,000 to $17,500.

Those who wish to recover under the compensation scheme must submit their claims no later than November 2, 2009. Those who plan to pursue other legal claims against the company must opt out of the settlement no later than August 7, and those who do nothing will receive no payments and will waive their rights. See The Canadian Press and CNW Group, May 5, 2009; Manitoba Cooperator and Meatingplace.com, May 6, 2009.