Health authorities announced a massive recall of meat contaminated with the listeria bacterium. The meat belongs to Canadian company Maple Leaf Foods Inc. and so far there have been reported four deaths and another 21 cases linked to this dangerous food poisoning.

According to the company’s officials, the recall will cost close to $20 million and even though it initially targeted about 20 products manufactured at one of the company’s plants, identified as the source of the disease, it will now include all the 220 products made at the plant. The massive food recall is one of Canada’s biggest ever.   

"The company may incur future costs related to increased advertising and other consumer communications and may experience reduced sales for a period of time," it said.

The disease is extremely dangerous for infants, the elderly, pregnant women and anyone with a weak immune system. The symptoms include fever, headaches, diarrhea, nausea, stiff neck, loss of balance and convulsions, in addition to the more dangerous attacks on the central nervous system and neonatal infections.

Maple Leaf Chief Executive Michael McCain explained yesterday that the plant will reopen as soon as the sanitization process will be completed. He also added he is aware of the public’s perception at this point as the customers’ confidence in the company is severely shaken, but ended the press conference on a positive note saying that "I do believe that if we fundamentally do the right thing ... if we act in the interest of public health, over time, I hope, that we can rebuild that confidence."