A Sofina Foods factory linked to a fatal legionnaires’ outbreak in Canada has re-opened, with a class-action suit against the protein group prepared.

The plant in London in Ontario has been identified as the likely source of an outbreak, which, according to health officials, has led to five deaths more than 90 hospitalisations.

The outbreak has been linked to cooling towers at the meat-processing site after tests by The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU).

Data issued on Tuesday (9 September) by MLHU said the outbreak had caused five deaths and 96 hospitalisations. Four were still in hospital as of that date.

Law-firm Siskinds has embarked on a proposed class-action lawsuit seeking C$86m (US$62.1m) in damages.

“We commenced this proposed class action because we believe in Londoners’ rights to clean air,” Siskinds partner Linda Visser said.

Sofina Foods, headquartered in Markham in Ontario, generates more than C$6.5bn in revenue. Globally, the company runs more than 40 locations, employing over 13,000 people. It has operations in the UK, Ireland, Germany and France.

According to media reports in Canada, an earlier outbreak of legionnaires’ disease in London has also been linked to the same site.

A spokesperson for Sofina Foods said the plant in London had “resumed regular operations” after a review by MLHU.

In a statement, the company said. “We have been informed of a pending class-action lawsuit that is being prepared regarding the recent legionnaires’ disease outbreak in the London area. We have yet to be served the claim.

“As part of our daily operations, we have a cooling tower sanitation management program in place, which includes working with outside specialists and we took immediate remedial action upon notification of an issue.

“We have, and continue to, work closely with Middlesex-London Health Unit and follow their guidance. MLHU has been satisfied with our actions to date.”