PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - 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 and 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 first 6 digits of the UPCs for the effected products are:

• 241659 and 241661 for lean ground beef 20%
• 271665 and 271670 for extra lean ground beef 15%
• 241670 and 241676 for leanest ground beef 7%
• 231677 for Laura’s Lean Ground Beef 4% fat

Also covered by this voluntary recall are five Chef’s Express items:

• Meatballs with the first 6 digits of the UPC 291196
• Meatloaf 291091
• Meatloaf with spinach 291297
• Stuffed peppers 291119
• Beef mushroom burgers 291306.

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

The following items are not included in this recall: Ground beef sold in sealed tubes in one, three or five-pound packages and fresh or frozen ground beef patties in its stores.

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