Michael McCain (File photo)
December 15, 2011 - The $25 million paid by Maple Leaf Foods to settle claims in class action suits related to a 2008 listeriosis outbreak have yet to be distributed.
Maple Leaf president and CEO Michael McCain released a statement last week saying the company is "dismayed and frustrated at how long this process has taken."
"While Maple Leaf had no control over the process, we did everything we could to help get money to victims, including me personally contacting premiers to urge their provincial health authorities to reach a settlement," he continued. "We understand that all the hurdles have now been overcome and court hearings are being scheduled to approve distribution of the settlements to claimants early in the new year. Our hope is that these funds will provide some help and support to people affected by this tragedy."
The outbreak occurred in August 2008, and was the largest of its kind in Canada's history. Twenty-two people died as a result of the outbreak and 57 were sickened. The class actions were launched on behalf of persons that consumed or purchased for consumption products that were subject to the recall. The settlement was announced in December 2009.
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