Australians allegedly poisoned by a high level of iodine in Bonsoy soy milk will share in $25 million compensation.

The settlement is the highest amount received from a class action relating to food in Australia, Australian Associated Press reported.

500 people fell ill after consuming Bonsoy between 2004 and 2009, when the level of iodine in the product skyrocketed to 50 times the recommended intake, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers claimed. It has been alleged the heightened level was caused after a reformulation in 2003, which saw the switching of pure kombu (seaweed) with kombu powder to add a salt-like taste.

The excessive level of iodine caused reactions with the thyroid gland in victims and a range of health issues, lawyers said.

Erin Downie, who was breastfeeding her newborn baby at the time, was advised to up her consumption of Bonsoy as it would be good for her in the early stages of her daughter’s life.

“My hair started to fall out, my gums began to bleed, and I lost all the use of my muscles in my body very quickly and I could no longer lift my baby after about four weeks, so I knew something was wrong,” Downie told the ABC. “I’ve been unable to have more children, which has been heartbreaking for me. I had plans to have more but my health isn’t adequate to be able to carry a baby.”

The product was recalled by the company in 2009 and reformulated to exclude Kombu as an ingredient. The Australian distributor and brand owner, Spiral Foods, has not admitted liability.

The payouts to the victims will begin in the next six to 12 months, pending approval by the Victorian Supreme Court on Jan. 29.

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