OTTAWA – The number of illnesses linked to beef products from the XL Foods plant in Brooks has increased to 10 people from three provinces.

The Public Health Agency of Canada says seven of the cases are from Alberta, two are from Quebec and one from Newfoundland.

Officials say the two Quebec cases and three of the Alberta cases are newly confirmed.

E. coli was first detected at the plant on Sept. 4, but it took 12 days for the first of numerous public alerts to be issued.

It has led to the recall of hundreds of XL Foods beef products across Canada and much of the United States.

The recall was expanded yet again Saturday with more meat products and stores added to the list.

For a full list of recalled products and retailers click here.