By Tom Davis, Patch Staff

Federal officials have issued a public health alert for possible E. Coli-contaminated beef in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and elsewhere, including hamburger patties sold at ShopRite.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is issuing a public health alert for beef products derived from imported beef from Ontario, Canada because it may be contaminated with E. Coli, according to a news release.

Federal officials are concerned that some products may be in school or consumers’ freezers. Schools or consumers who have these products are urged not to serve them and throw them away.

E. Coli a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness, according to the release.

Read the full story for specifically identified products