Christmas ham recalled

Around 200 people may need to return their Christmas hams after a recall notice was issued today.

Heller Tasty Ltd issued the recall in newspapers today for Signature Range cooked ham on the bone half hams with a best before date of January 9 next year.

The hams are sold through Foodtown, Countdown, Woolworths and SuperValueFresh Choice supermarkets throughout New Zealand.

A full refund or replacement will be offered for returned hams.

Heller Tasty Ltd general manager Todd Heller said tests suggested a brine which is added to the hams might not have penetrated to the bone, which could affect its ability to keep.

"The ham is okay but because it may not be fully cured around the bone it will not keep by the use by date," he told NZPA.

"The most disappointing thing is that this has happened right at Christmas."

No illnesses had been reported but anyone who had concerns was advised to seek medical attention.

Mr Heller said about 200 of the hams were cut. He believed about half had already been accounted for.

Signature Range hams with any other use-by date were fine, he said.

- NZPA