PORTLAND, Ore. -- Fred Meyer's parent company has announced a recall of ground beef sold in its stores, after reports of an E. coli outbreak in the Midwest.

Cincinnati-based Kroger is recalling ground beef products in plastic foam tray packages wrapped in cellophane, or purchased from a service counter at all Fred Meyer's and QFC stores between May 21-July 5.

Additionally, the company is recalling ground beef under the "Private Selection Natural" label.

Cincinnati-based Kroger says the "sell-by" dates on that product were listed as July 11 through July 21.

The beef has been linked to Omaha-based Nebraska Beef, the supplier of products connected to E. coli illnesses in Michigan and central and northern Ohio.

Customers are being asked to check carefully the ground beef they have at home in their refrigerators and freezers.

The beef can be returned for a full refund or replacement.