Carlisle, Pa. - Giant Food Stores has expanded a list of products that are part of a recall of ground beef that might have been contaminated with E. coli bacteria.

Fairbank Farms, a supplier of ground beef to Giant, has recalled ground beef products that were distributed to stores in Pennsylvania and six other states in September, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (web | news) . Although the beef has passed its expiration date and is no longer being sold in supermarkets, officials worry the meat could still be customers' freezers.

Chris Brand, a Giant spokesperson, said the following products with sell-by dates of September 19 to October 5, 2009 are affected:

73% Giant Brand Lean Ground Beef
80% Giant Brand Lean Ground Beef
85% Giant Brand Lean Ground Beef
90% Giant Brand Lean Ground Beef
96% Giant Brand Lean Ground Beef
Giant Brand Chili Meat
Giant Brand Meat Loaf Mix
Giant Brand Stuffed Mushrooms with Ground Beef
Giant Brand Pub Style Burgers
Giant Brand Stuffed Peppers with Ground Beef
Giant Brand Meatballs Nature’s Promise Ground Beef
Nature's s Promise Patties

Customers can check UPC product codes at www.giantfoodstores.com.

Customers are encouraged to check their freezers for any affected ground beef products and bring any affected products or their purchase receipt to any store for a full refund.

Giant has received no reports of illnesses associated with the consumption of its products, but two deaths and 26 other illnesses in New England states are believed to be linked to the recalled meat.

Fairbank Farms also sold ground beef to BJ's, Trader Joe's, Price Chopper, Lancaster, Wild Harvest, Shaw's, and Ford Brothers.

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