The Department for Health and Wellbeing received confirmation yesterday of Listeria present in Barossa Fine Foods pre-packaged 100g Double Smoked Ham.

Barossa Fine Foods initiated a recall of the product from the supply chain yesterday and is also recalling No Added Nitrite Ham 100g, as a presumptive result for this product has also been received.

“We have not received notification of anyone contracting Listeria from any of these products, however the infection can be extremely serious for some vulnerable people in our community,” food and controlled drugs branch acting director Joanne Cammans said.

“While many people who are exposed to Listeria often only experience mild illness it can be more serious in at-risk groups, so all South Australians should avoid eating these products.”

The recall follows the recall of four Barossa Fine Foods pates earlier this month.

“Foods such as ready to eat meats are considered high risk for the possible presence of Listeria even with manufacturing controls in place, which is why we advise that pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, not consume these types of products,” Cammans said.

As a precaution, anyone who has purchased these products from Foodland’s, IGAs, and independent grocery stores is advised to not eat it, and either return it to the place of purchase or discard it.

According to SA Health, listeria infection starts with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, and sometimes diarrhoea.

People can start experiencing symptoms within a few days, but symptoms can take up to six weeks to appear after eating contaminated product.