In September, 2012, the XL Foods plant in Brooks, Alberta, found itself at the centre of the biggest beef recall in Canadian history with more than 500 products distributed at thousands of retailers across Canada over concerns about E. coli contamination. Thousands of products were also recalled in 30 U.S. states, including at Walmart, Safeway. Kroger and Sam's Club. E. coli O157:H7 is potentially deadly. Health officials say it can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration and, in the most severe cases, kidney failure.
