Charlotte Foster
Food & Wine

RECALL: Serious illness fears over tainted ham

A number of gourmet ham products sold across Australia have been recalled due to contamination fears. 

The recall has specifically affected Barossa Fine Foods "No Added Nitrite Ham" in the 100 gram size carrying a use-by date of 03/11/2021 and the "Double Smoked Ham" in the 100 gram with the use-by date of 10/11/2021.

The "No Added Nitrite Ham" was sold in IGA stores in the ACT, South Australia and Western Australia, and in Woolworths in NSW only.

The "Double Smoked Ham" was sold in IGA stores in NSW, the ACT, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

Image credit: Food Standards Australia and New Zealand

Food Standards Australia and New Zealand have warned against eating these products has they could be at risk of causing serious illness. 

"Food products contaminated with (listeria monocytogenes) may cause illness if consumed. Listeria may cause illness in pregnant women and their unborn babies, the elderly and people with low immune systems," Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) warns.

"Consumers should not eat this product. Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice and should return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund."

Listeria is a bacteria that can be found in contaminated foods, with people with lower immune systems that most at risk from getting sick. 

Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, nausea and sometimes diarrhea.

Symptoms start on average 21 days after a person has eaten a food contaminated with the bacteria.

Image credits: Channel Nine

Tags:
Food & wine, Product Recall, ham, food standards