New Jersey-based Topps Meat Company is recalling some 330,000 pounds of beef in 10 different packages after several cases of E. coli contamination were confirmed in several states, the USDA announced Wednesday.

Almost two dozen people may be ill because they consumed Topps frozen burgers that could be contaminated with E. coli, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Wednesday.

The Associated Press reports that Lola Russell, a CDC representative, said two cases in New York and one in Florida are confirmed as being linked to the ground beef, while another 18 cases are still under investigation and could also be linked to Topps products.

The U. S. Department of Agriculture is warning consumers to avoid eating frozen hamburgers produced by the Elizabeth, New Jersey-based company.

The recall, which totals 331,582 pounds of frozen beef patties and 21 products that were distributed nationwide, includes certain 10-pound boxes of Butcher's Best 100% All Beef Patties; certain 10-pound boxes of Kohler Foods burgers; certain 10-pound boxes of Sand Castle Fine Meat; some 2-pound boxes of Topps 100% Pure Ground Beef Hamburgers; and some 3-pound boxes of Topps 100% Pure Ground Beef Hamburgers.

(Read the complete list of the recalled products at http://www.toppsmeat.com/.)

The USDA said the recalled products carry the number “Est. 9748” inside the USDA mark of inspection, and were produced on June 22, July 12 or July 23, the AP reports.

There have been illnesses reported in Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania, the CDC and the USDA said.

Topps representative Cortney McMahon said health officials are still investigating, with the support and cooperation of Topps. “That investigation is still ongoing. Topps is going to fully cooperate with the USDA.”

Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators and throw away frozen products that are included in the list of recalled products. If symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps and bloody stool appear, they should seek immediate medical attention.

The USDA said no fatalities have been registered so far. E. coli contamination is potentially deadly for children, the elderly and people with a weakened immune system. In extreme cases, it can cause kidney failure.

The company, who says this is its first recall in its 65-year history, specified that the products should no longer be available in groceries but could be in consumers’ freezers.

“First and foremost, Topps Meat Company is concerned with the safety and welfare of all our customers and we are deeply concerned for those who became ill,” said Geoffrey Livermore, the company's operations vice president.

A little over three weeks ago, the USDA issued another E. coli warning for consumers, advising them to throw out of their freezers beef produced by Oregon-based Interstate Meats, processed between July 19 and July 30. several people had fallen ill after consuming the products.