American Foods Group of Wisconsin voluntarily recalled nearly 96,000 pounds of ground beef products after two people were reportedly sickened, possibly by E. coli bacteria. The beef products included in the recall include corse and fine ground beef chuck, sirloin, and and chop beef.

The affected products were distributed to retailers and distributors in Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Virginia. The potential problem was brought to light after an investigation by the Illinois Department of Health, which was looking into two reports of illness.

The bacteria believed to be present in the meat is E. coli O157:H7, which is harbored in the intestines of cattle. Improper butchering can result in the E. coli getting into the meat, but thorough cooking to at least 160 degrees internally, can destroy the bacteria. This particular strain of bacteria can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration.

Products affected by the recall were produced on October 10, 2007. Because they were distributed for further processing and repackaging, the products will not have the company's establishment number on the package.

Some of the recommended use-by dates have already expired. If you have expired beef, you may want to check with your local retailer to see if the products in question were in their stores. Otherwise, check the list below to find out whether you may have some of the contaminated beef products:

_Bulk weight packages of "BEEF, FINE GROUND 73/27." Each shipping label bears a product code of "65000."

_Bulk weight packages of "BEEF, FINE GROUND 75/25." Each shipping label bears a product code of "65800."

_Bulk weight packages of "BEEF SIRLOIN, FINE GROUND 90/10." Each shipping label bears a product code of "66000."

_Bulk weight packages of "BEEF, FINE GROUND 80/20." Each shipping label bears a product code of "66400."

_Bulk weight packages of "BEEF, FINE GROUND 75/25." Each shipping label bears a product code of "19900."

_Bulk weight packages of "BEEF, FINE GROUND 73/27." Each shipping label bears a product code of "20100."

_Bulk weight packages of "BEEF CHUCK, FINE GROUND 82/18." Each shipping label bears a product code of "20600."

_Bulk weight packages of "CHOP BEEF STEAK, FINE GRIND "86/14." Each shipping label bears a product code of "30000."

_Bulk weight packages of "BEEF SIRLOIN, FINE GROUND 92/08." Each shipping label bears a product code of "30400."

_Bulk weight packages of "BEEF ROUND, FINE GROUND 87/13." Each shipping label bears a product code of "30200."

_Bulk weight packages of "BEEF, FINE GROUND 80/20." Each shipping label bears a product code of "30700."

_Bulk weight packages of "BEEF CHUCK, FINE GROUND 82/18." Each shipping label bears a product code of "31400."

_Bulk weight packages of "BEEF, FINE GROUND 93/07." Each shipping label bears a product code of "31600."

_Bulk weight packages of "BEEF, FINE GROUND 73/27." Each shipping label bears a product code of "31700."

_Bulk weight packages of "BEEF MODIFIED, FINE GROUND 93/07." Each shipping label bears a product code of "31900."

Each shipping label bears the establishment number "Est. 18076" inside the USDA mark of inspection.