The food and beverage industry has been sent a strong message about safety after a record $25 million class action settlement over a soy milk product that caused almost 500 people to fall ill, lawyers say.

Maurice Blackburn Lawyers says the manufacturer, exporter and distributor of Bonsoy soy milk have agreed to compensate victims with $25 million, which it says is the highest settlement of a food safety class action in Australia.

High levels of iodine forced Bonsoy products to be recalled. Credit:Domino Postiglione

The law firm said the class action alleged that unsafe levels of iodine were added to the ingredients of the soy milk product via a seaweed product called Kombu.

Nearly 500 people claimed they suffered damaging health consequences, with thyroid and other health problems, Maurice Blackburn class action principal Jacob Varghese said on Monday.