Hobson's brand sandwich ham is being recalled after routine testing picked up the possible presence of listeria.
The ham's batch number is 1SA4 and it has a best-before date of 03/03/2023. It was available from these stores:
- Gilmours Manukau
- Gilmours Tauranga
- Gilmours Hamilton
- Gilmours Palmerston North
- Gilmours Wellington
"The concern with this product is that it may contain listeria, a foodborne bacterium that can make you sick," said New Zealand Food Safety Deputy Director-General Vincent Arbuckle.
"This product should not be eaten. It can be returned to the place of purchase for a refund. Should you be unable to do this, throw it out."
Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea or vomiting and diarrhoea within a few days of eating contaminated food.
However it can be serious among vulnerable groups, such as pregnant people and their unborn babies, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
It is particularly dangerous during pregnancy as it can cause miscarriage, premature labour or stillbirth, and infection in the unborn baby.
For those in the high-risk groups, it usually takes two to three weeks - or even longer - before symptoms appear.
If you have consumed any of these products and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116.
There may be more stores affected, so for up-to-date details of the recall go to the food recall page here: Hobson's brand Sandwich Ham