ATLANTA – A Pennsylvania company is recalling more than 40 tons of hamburger patties in 12 states, including Maine, because of possible E. coli contamination.

Quaker Maid Meats Inc. of Reading, Pa., recalled three- and five-pound boxes of its Philly-Gourmet brand patties made July 19. The boxes have the packaging code 2005A, 2005B, 2005C or 2005D, and the establishment code “Est. 2748” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The New York state Department of Health linked the product to three illnesses among Saratoga County residents who ate meat from the same package.

The boxes were distributed to grocery stores in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and Wisconsin.

E. coli O157:H7 can cause severe abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea. Other symptoms include vomiting and low-grade fever. Health officials said anyone developing these symptoms should contact a doctor immediately.

Quaker Maid said customers should throw out the patties. Consumers with questions can call (888) 674-6854.