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.

Meat obtained from one of Kroger's suppliers, Nebraska Beef Ltd., has been linked to illness reported in Michigan and Ohio between May 31 and June 8 caused by the E. coli bacteria.

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 and QFC stores with "sell-by" dates 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.

"If they got it at the meat counter or if they got it in the self service case and it was in a Styrofoam tray wrapped in plastic, look for the May 21- July 5 sell by date," said Melinda Merrill, spokesperson for Fred Meyer. "If it's a vacuum-sealed brick, look for the July 11 through July 21 sell-by date."

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

Merrill said the ground beef currently in Fred Meyer stores is safe.

"We pulled everything, we cleaned and sanitized, we have different suppliers who have provided us with ground beef," she said. " What customers really need to do is check their freezers and refrigerators."

The recall does not include ground beef sold in sealed tubes in one, three or five-pound packages and frozen ground beef patties sold in the frozen food section of Kroger stores.

Kroger is notifying customers about the expanded recall by placing signs in stores in meat departments and using its register receipt notification system.

Symptoms of E. coli infection can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and fever. Most people recover within 5 to 7 days.

Health officials urge people to thoroughly cook hamburger and, if possible, use a digital thermometer to make sure meat has been heated to at least 160 degrees.

They also recommend that people wash their hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.

Consumers who have questions about the recall may contact Kroger toll-free at (800) 632-6900.