Listeria poisoning scare prompts class action against Maple Leaf
In Toronto, a class action lawsuit has been filed against Maple Leaf Goods after a listeriosis outbreak caused by its tainted meat products. So far, 20 people have died because of this harmful bacterium.
Listeriosis is a food borne illness whose symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, neck stiffness, and nausea.
In Aug 2008, the poisonous bacteria was linked to a food plant in Toronto which was temporarily shut down in the wake of the outbreak. Massive recalls of Maple Leaf products were activated.
Cheese producers in Quebec have also been affected and have been given a multi-million dollar aid package to help cope with the recent listeria crisis, which resulted in many cheese products to be seized and destroyed.
The court documents have also recounted the horrifying effects it had on victims, such as Elizabeth Schroh in Unity, Sask., whose body convulsed and struggled to breathe before she passed away.
Overseeing this lawsuit is Regina lawyer Tony Merchant who said more than 4,500 people across Canada have registered to be in the class action.
The complaint accuses Maple Leaf of negligence and the class action filed in the state of Ontario seeks CAD350 million (USD287 million) in damages.
Maple Leaf CEO Michael McCain has already apologized for the outbreak and has said his company would take full responsibility.
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