Maple Leaf Foods Inc. has reached a $27-million Canada-wide settlement with plaintiffs in the class-action lawsuits launched against it over last year's listeriosis outbreak, which killed at least 20 people.

Claimants who became ill may qualify for up to $125,000, depending on the severity of their symptoms, the company said Monday.

Those with symptoms lasting between 24 and less than 48 hours could receive $750, while those with "serious and long-lasting physical injuries" could qualify for the full $125,000.

The estates of those who died as a result of listeriosis will be paid $120,000 each, plus "substantial amounts" to immediate family members, according to the company's release.

Maple Leaf said in December it would agree to a $27-million settlement. Monday's announcement is to publicize that it has reached a detailed agreement with the plaintiffs.

Those who ate meat products purchased between Jan. 1 and Aug. 31, 2008 are eligible to make claims under the settlement, which must still be approved by courts in Saskatchewan, Ontario and Quebec.

Hearings are scheduled for March 5 in Ontario, March 10 in Saskatchewan, and March 20 in Quebec.

The outbreak was traced to a Maple Leaf Foods plant in Toronto last summer.

All 220 meat products produced at the facility were recalled and the plant was shut down while company and health officials tried to determine the source of the contamination.

Maple Leaf CEO Michael McCain has said two slicing machines are believed to be the most likely source of the listeria bacteria. McCain apologized for the outbreak and said his company would take full responsibility.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed an independent investigator last month to probe the listeriosis outbreak.

Sheila Weatherill, former head of Edmonton's health system, is to issue a report — including recommendations on how to prevent a similar outbreak — by July 20.