Source: Ministry for Primary Industries
New Zealand Food Safety is advising the public to return Pestell’s Rai Bacon Company Ltd ham products distributed to selected supermarkets and other retailers nationwide, as they may contain Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
The affected packaged ham products are specific batches of Pestell’s Champagne Ham, Pestell’s Cooked Ham on the bone, Pestell’s Boneless Ham, Pestell’s Boneless Ham pieces, and Pestell’s Sliced Ham Off the Bone. These products are sold in selected supermarkets and other retailers nationwide, except Countdown stores.
In addition, all Pestell’s Sliced Ham served over the counter at selected supermarket delicatessens with a use by date up to and including 7.12.20 are affected. These will have Pestell’s on the in-store applied label.
Affected products are sold at some New World, Pak’nSave and Four Square supermarkets in the South Island.
Listeria can make people sick (listeriosis) if they consume contaminated food.
New Zealand Food Safety national manager food compliance services Melinda Sando says customers should return the products to stores for a full refund. Alternatively, cooking thoroughly will ensure the products are safe. For the large hams this means an internal temperature of 75 degrees Celsius.
“Listeriosis infection can be serious among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and their unborn babies, newborn babies, people with weakened immune systems and elderly people.
“For those in the high-risk groups, listeriosis typically has an incubation period of 2 to 3 weeks (or longer) before symptoms appear.
“Healthy adults are likely to experience only mild infection, causing mild diarrhoea and flu-like symptoms.
“If you have consumed any of these products and have any concerns about your health, seek medical advice,” says Ms. Sando.
New Zealand Food Safety and Nelson Marlborough Public Health Service are working together to identify any listeriosis cases that could be linked to these products.
Pestell’s Rai Bacon Company Ltd initiated the recall as testing by one of their customers identified Listeria in products.
To date we have identified 5 affected products and a number of retailers. There may be further recalls as a result of our enquiries.
Food recalls
For all details on affected batches, date marks and where this product is sold visit the MPI food recall page.
