Cargill Inc, one of the world’s largest meat producers said on Saturday that it was recalling more than 1 million pounds of ground beef distributed in the United States because of possible E. coli contamination, Reuters reports.

Between the states included in the recall are Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Cargill Meat Solutions said that the ground beef was produced at the Wyalusing, Pennsylvania plant between October 8 and October 11 and delivered to retailers across the country such as Giant, Shop Rite, Stop & Shop, Wegman’s and Weis.

E-coli bacteria can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and dehydration after maximum five days after the food is consumed. If left untreated, E. coli could further cause serious complications, including kidney failure. Children and elderly people and people with poor immune systems are the most vulnerable.

President of Cargill Regional Beef, John Keating said in a statement: "No illnesses have been associated with this product. We are working closely with the USDA to remove the product from the marketplace," Reuters reports. However, a U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection of an October 8 sample found possible contamination from E. coli O157:H7.

Amanda Eamich, a spokesperson for the USDA Food and Safety Inspection Service said:

"We do look in all directions to ensure that products that could be contaminated are not available to consumers,” the Associated Press reports.

Cargill made another recalling in October of more than 800,000 pounds of ground beef distributed through Sam’s Club for the same reason. Four cases of E. coli poisoning were confirmed by that time.