Some brands of frozen beef sold at Safeway stores in B.C. may have been contaminated with the E. coli bacteria.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Canada Safeway Limited are warning the public not to consume some of the frozen beef produced by The Gourmet Meat Shoppe and The Butcher's Cut brands.

The voluntary recall was Tuesday.

It covers the Gourmet "Meat Shoppe Big & Juicy" 1.13 kg. packages with a best before date of August 14, 2013, the Gourmet "Meat Shoppe Prime Rib Burger" 907 g. package with a best-before of August 14, The Butcher's Cut "Pure Beef Patties" in 10, 20 and 40 patty packages with a best-before date of August 14.

A CFIA statement said the products have been distributed in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and the Northwest Territories.

Th agency said the recall is related to an ongoing outbreak investigation at a food producing facility and more tests have ben ordered to determine if any additional products may be affected.

Food contaminated with E. coli may not look or smell spoiled.

Consumption may cause serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses.

Symptoms include severe abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea.

Some people may have seizures or strokes and some may need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis.

Permanent kidney damage is possible.

In severe cases, people may die.

For more information, consumers and industry can call Canada Safeway Limited at (403) 730-3511; the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 or visit .

Food and consumer product recalls are also available at .