According to the officials of Valley Meat Company, it is recalling around 1 million pounds of ground beef sold in four states due to possible E. coli bacteria contamination.

The Modesto, Calif., packer said in a written statement on Friday that the beef, most of which was frozen, was processed late last year, sold to retailers and food-service customers in California, Arizona, Texas and Oregon, and was also shipped overseas.

It was working with retailers to remove the beef, which comes in patties and bulk packages. Consumers who find it in their freezers are urged to throw it out or take it to their supermarket for a refund, the company has said.

The voluntary recall covers products produced between Oct. 2, 2009, and Jan. 12. It has the establishment number EST 8268 on the packaging.

The production date is also stamped on the packages. The 2009 products carry a number between 275 and 365 before the "09" ending. The affected 2010 products will carry a number between 001 and 012 before the "10" ending, Valley Meat further said. (With Inputs from Agencies)