Earlier this week a Calgary beef processing company, XL Foods announced a voluntary recall of certain ground beef products because of possible E. coli contamination.

That recall has now been expanded to include many grocery stores in the country.   

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is warning the public, distributors and food service establishments not to consume, sell, or serve the affected ground beef products.

The expanded recall also includes unlabelled and/or unbranded ground beef products available for sale from August 24 through September 16, 2012 and sold at retail stores not identified in the CFIA's product list, which may include small retailers, local meat markets and butcher shops. Therefore, the CFIA is advising consumers who are unsure if they have the affected ground beef product in their home to check with the store(s) where the product was purchased or throw it out.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products.

This voluntary recall is part of an ongoing food safety investigation. The CFIA says it is working with the recalling firms and distributors to identify and verify all affected products.

Food contaminated with E. coli may not look or smell spoiled.  Consumption of food contaminated with these bacteria my cause serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses.  Symptoms include severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea.  Some people may have seizures or strokes and some may need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis.  Others may live with permanent kidney damage.  In severe cases of illness, people may die.

Find a complete list of beef that's being recalled here.