A Nelson-based meat supplier has been confirmed as the source of a listeria contamination last month.
An investigation by New Zealand Food Safety and Nelson Marlborough Public Health Service found the contamination, that left four people sick, originated at Pestell’s Rai Bacon Company, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) said in a statement.
MPI said the contamination was confirmed through the results of DNA testing, which were received this week.
Products affected by the bacteria included specific batches of Pestell's champagne ham, cooked ham on the bone, boneless ham, boneless ham pieces and sliced ham on the bone, which were sold at a number of supermarkets across the South Island.
Melinda Sando, New Zealand Food Safety's food compliance services national manager, said there was good cooperation from all suppliers and retailers involved in the investigation.
"Nobody wants to put their customers at risk. We worked quickly to minimise the risk to the public and resolve the issues," Sando said.
Nelson Marlborough Public Health Service medical officer of health, Dr Andrew Lindsay, said listeria infections can be serious among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and their unborn babies, newborn babies, people with weakened immune systems and elderly people.
"We will continue to work closely with New Zealand Food Safety should any more cases emerge," Dr Lindsay said.
"To date, no further cases associated with the recalled products have been identified. However, as listeria can survive freezing, consumers are reminded to check food in their fridges and freezers and if they have any of the recalled products follow the advice from New Zealand Food Safety."
The full list of the recalled products is available on the MPI website.
