South Australians, particularly pregnant women, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, are advised not to consume affected O’Brien’s leg ham following the detection of Listeria.

The Department for Health and Wellbeing’s Acting Director, Food and Controlled Drugs Branch, Karen Ferres, says no cases of Listeria have been reported to SA Health linked to the product. 

“Following detection of Listeria by the manufacturer during routine testing, O’Brien’s is working to remove any potentially affected product from supply today,” Ms Ferres says. 

“The affected hams have been available for sale at various Foodland, IGA and other independent  butchers and continental delicatessens. 

“The ham is sometimes sold loose from affected businesses and therefore has no distinct packaging. 

“While many people exposed to Listeria often have only mild illness it can be more serious in at-risk groups, so all South Australians at-risk should avoid eating the product. 

“As a precaution, we recommend anyone who has purchased any of the listed O’Brien’s leg hams to not eat it and either return it to the place of purchase, or discard it.” 

The hams have been available for sale since December 2020. The use by dates affected are 24/03/21, 1/04/21 and 06/04/21: 

• O'Brien's Full Boneless Leg Ham 

• O'Brien's Champagne Leg Ham 

• O'Brien's Half Leg Ham 

• O'Brien's Full Leg Ham 

• O'Brien's Half Boneless Leg Ham 

• O'Brien's Third Leg Ham 

Listeriosis 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 they can take up to six weeks to appear after eating contaminated product. 

If symptoms develop, people are advised to see their GP. Those in the at-risk groups should consult  their GP as early as possible if any symptoms appear. 

For more information, visit www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/foodsafety.