Cape Town — Families of listeriosis outbreak victims are demanding accountability from Tiger Brands, six years after the incident shook South Africa.
In September 2017, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases linked the outbreak to Tiger Brands’ Enterprise Food factory in Polokwane, which was found to be contaminated with the ST6 strain of listeria, according to SABC News.
Monthla Ngobeni, one of the victims, shared how the outbreak drastically affected her family. Her daughter contracted listeriosis at just 18 days old, leading to multiple brain surgeries over the years. To cover medical expenses, Ngobeni was forced to sell her house.
The outbreak claimed over 200 lives and left many others with severe health issues. Richard Spoor Incorporated, the law firm leading the case against Tiger Brands, argues that the legal process has been unreasonably delayed.
“It is clear, from the work done by the NICD, that Tiger Brands manufactured, distributed, and contaminated these products that caused the outbreak that led to the deaths of hundreds of people. The question is, why should we have an argument and why should it be dragged out for six years?,” Spoor said.
He criticised Tiger Brands for contesting the evidence, which he believes is irrefutable. He argued that the prolonged legal battle continues only because Tiger Brands refuses to accept responsibility for their actions.
RSI and LHL Attorneys, representing over 1000 claimants, are demanding compensation from Tiger Brands. One of the attorneys handling the litigation explains the case’s magnitude, emphasising the severe and ongoing impact on victims, including long-term health issues and financial… pic.twitter.com/aURhcn2OeV
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 9, 2024
According to Newzroom Afrika, Health and Human Rights Activist, Mark Heywood said that Tiger Brands should be held accountable for the 218 deaths, citing the case of Monthla Ngobeni.
“For me, what is most moving about this is the human tragedy. And the human tragedy is what must motivate us to ensure that this matter is resolved in the interest of justice,” Heywood said.
With more than 1000 people affected, mainly black South Africans, Heywood said poorer people rely on cheaper foods such as polony and as many of these people live with compromised immune systems, they are at higher risk of listeriosis. He said the blame must lie with Tiger Brands.
“There is a huge responsibility on the companies that manufacture this foodstuff to make sure that their factories comply with the highest standard of hygiene. To make sure they comply with the law, and the foods that they produce and distribute all over the country, are safe for consumption,”
In a statement released today, Tiger Brands says it’s committed to resolving the listeriosis class action suit, which has dragged on for 6 years. Victims of the world’s deadliest listeriosis outbreak are now calling for criminal charges to be instituted against the company,… pic.twitter.com/5L362hk1fL
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 10, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
