TSX: MFI
    www.mapleleaf.comTORONTO, Dec. 18 /CNW/ - Maple Leaf Foods (TSX: MFI) today announced
that, subject to court approvals in Saskatchewan, Quebec and Ontario, it has
reached a settlement agreement with the principal counsel groups who launched
class actions following a listeriosis outbreak that was linked to a limited
number of products made at the Company's Bartor Road, Toronto facility.
    "Our goal throughout this legal process has been to negotiate a fair and
early settlement so that we can obtain court approvals and promptly compensate
families who were affected," said Michael H. McCain, President and CEO. "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 class actions were launched on behalf of persons that consumed or
purchased for consumption products that were subject to the recall in August
2008 due to possible contamination from Listeria monocytogenes. The settlement
amount will be $25 million, increasing by up to $2 million to the extent that
claims and costs may exceed $25 million. The compensation paid from the
settlement amount will be administered by the class counsel under the
supervision of the court. Maple Leaf Foods and class counsel are of the
opinion that the settlement of the class actions is fair, reasonable and in
the best interests of the class. The agreement is subject to court approval.
The settlement amount is fully funded by Maple Leaf Foods' liability insurers.

    Maple Leaf Foods Inc. is a leading food processing company, headquartered
in Toronto, Canada. The Company employs approximately 23,500 people at its
operations across Canada and in the United States, the United Kingdom and
Asia. The company had sales of $5.2 billion in 2007.