Recall of 9000 bottles of Anchor, Pam's cream

9000 bottles of Pam's and Anchor cream have been recalled because it may contain E.coli.

Fonterra has recalled fresh cream sold through 43 supermarkets and grocery stores in Northland because it could contain E.coli, a bacteria that can cause people to experience nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhoea.

Most adults affected by E.coli resolve the infection without antibiotics in five to seven days, but some people - especially children under 5 and the elderly - develop more severe symptoms and can require hospitalisation.

No illness caused by the cream had been reported yesterday.

Fonterra is recalling 8700 bottles of Anchor and Pam's fresh cream with a best before date of January 21, distributed from Northland south to Turangi and Gisborne.

Fonterra Brands managing director Peter McClure yesterday advised consumers not to use the cream and to return it to the place of purchase for a refund. "If they require further information, they should contact Fonterra Brands' customer service centre on 0800 256 257."

The dairy co-operative is investigating to find the source of the E. coli, which had been revealed in quality test results which became available after some cream had sent to customers.

Anchor cream in 300ml and 500ml bottles went to Progressive Enterprises' eight supermarkets in Northland - one a Supervalue store at Ruakaka and the others Countdown stores; three at Whangarei and one each at Dargaville, Kaikohe, Kerikeri and Paihia.

Anchor and Pam's cream in similar-size bottles went to 35 Foodstuffs' supermarkets and shops, Pak 'n Save stores at Whangarei and Kaitaia, New Worlds at Kaikohe, Kerikeri and at Kensington and Onerahi in Whangarei, and to 29 Four Square stores in the North.

The cream could also be found in unidentified foodservice outlets and in Northland dairies.