A Newark-based company is recalling more than 3,500 pounds of beef that may be contaminated with the potentially deadly E. coli bacteria.

The bulk beef cuts and trimmings were distributed locally to retail locations in New Jersey, wrapped in plastic and marked only with the establishment number "M5476," according to the The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service

G & M Co. issued the recall earlier this week for 3,586 pounds of its beef product sold in boxes ranging in size from 30 to 195 pounds.

The beef, packaged between June 8 and 10, was shipped to following stores in North Jersey:

Al Quds Halal Meat, 141 Crooks Avenue in Paterson

Fattal's Bakery, 975 Main Street in Paterson

Nizam International Market, 608 Anderson Avenue in Cliffside Park

Quality Halal Meat Market, 829 Main Street in Paterson

Ray's Enterprise, 318 Astor Street in Newark

There have been no reports of illness associated with the recall, which was triggered by a test on June 14 in which the beef came back positive for the bacteria.

The FSIS said it is concerned that the recalled items may be in people's freezers.

Consumers are urged not to eat the meat. Anyone who purchased the product can return the item to the stores listed above.

E. coli can cause dehydration, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps for up to a week, according to the FSIS. The bacteria is potentially deadly and some people, more commonly older adults and younger children, can develop kidney failure after exposure to the organism.

Craig McCarthy may be reached at CMcCarthy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @createcraig. Find NJ.com on Facebook.