Supermarkets have removed packs of Beehive Shaved Champagne Ham from their shelves, over fears they could contain listeria.
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has issued a recall for 200g family packs with a use-by date of 26 January.
An MPI spokesperson said the possible presence of listeria was picked up in routine product testing by the company.
"There was approximately 13,600 packets in the batch and all but 131 have been accounted for."
Listeria is a foodborne bacteria that can cause serious illness. Symptoms can include fever, headache, tiredness, aches and pains, and people most at risk include pregnant women, newborn babies and the elderly.
There have been no reports of illness but if anyone is feeling unwell they should seek medical advice, the spokesperson said.
The product has been recalled from New World, Pak'nSave, Countdown and Fresh Choice outlets throughout the North Island.
Foodstuffs said the recall had affected several stores.
"We are aware that this recall has affected several New World and Pak'nSave stores in the Lower North Island, all of whom have been notified and the product has been removed from shelves."
Countdown said in a statement they had been visited by the product's maker.
"Premier Beehive NZ had previously visited the affected stores as a precaution and removed this batch of product from those stores"
It said the ham was only sold in 15 of its supermarkets.
In the Wellington region, it was sold in Crofton Downs, Johnsonville, Karori, Kilbirnie, Lower Hutt, Newtown, Petone, Porirua, Queensgate, Upper Hutt and Waikane.
The ham was sold in two supermarkets in New Plymouth: Spotswood and The Valley.
It was also sold at the Fairy Springs Countdown in Rotorua and Broadway in Palmerston North.
Two FreshChoice supermarkets, at Half Moon Bay and Greytown, also carried the batch.
Countdown said they were also putting up recall notices in these stores and customers should check any packs of ham for the batch number and return it for a refund.
