OTTAWA - CANADA'S Maple Leaf Foods announced on Thursday it has settled a class action lawsuit with the victims and their families of a listeriosis outbreak linked to contaminated deli meats that claimed 20 lives.

'Our goal throughout this legal process has been to negotiate a fair and early settlement,' said company president Michael McCain.

'This was a tragic experience and I want to acknowledge the cooperation of all the parties involved to ensure that people affected receive timely restitution.'

The lawsuits were filed on behalf of people who consumed or purchased deli meats recalled in August 2008 due to possible contamination from listeria monocytogenes.

The settlement amount will be 25 million Canadian dollars (S$30.28 million). It was not yet clear how many people would be sharing the amount.

On August 19, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a recall of Maple Leaf sliced corned beef, roast beef, pepperoni, salami, sausages, smoked ham, and turkey thought to be contaminated with the bacteria.

By October, the list had risen to 220 food products and 52 cases of listeriosis had been reported nationally, including 20 deaths.

Products contaminated with listeria monocytogenes may not look or smell spoiled, but can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea.

Pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk. -- AFP