There are now 75 people from across the country who have joined a $17-million class-action lawsuit against the company that was behind Canada’s largest beef recall.

Last fall, at least 18 cases of illness from E. coli contamination were linked to tainted beef that came from the plant in Brooks, Alta.

The suit was launched in October by an Edmonton man, Matthew Harrison, who got sick after eating the tainted beef at a friend’s home in September.

The lawsuit, which has been picked up by an Edmonton law firm, is now asking for $17 million in damages for emotional and physical trauma, loss of income and other expenses by plaintiffs.

The lawsuit alleges that the XL plant knew of poor quality control and concealed that information from consumers and regulators.

The allegations have not been proven in court.

Lawyers are expected to appear before the court on the matter in October.