Meat processors turn ham into water

HAM processors have been accused of selling water for the price of meat.

One brand of ham contained 38 per cent water and only 53 per cent meat, consumer group Choice found.

Tests it did on 49 types of packaged ham found most contained chemicals specifically added to retain extra water, including phosphate used to increase the water-binding capacity of the meat's muscle fibres.

Woolworths deli leg ham contained the most water (38 per cent) and contained the least meat (53 per cent).

Three other unidentified packages of ham contained between 23 to 27 per cent water, and a pork content of 67 to 74 per cent.

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"We worked out there were 11 packaged hams where it was costing about $26 per 750ml for the added water," Choice spokesman Christopher Zinn said.

"For that money, ham manufacturers are charging more than some good Aussie vineyards do for sparkling wine."

It seemed some manufacturers were making extra profits by selling water for the price of meat, he said.

Choice research found descriptions of ham types did not hold much water - champagne ham contained no alcohol and English ham did not originate from the UK.

More than 70 per cent of pork products are imported from Canada and the US, leading Choice to say it wants to see more specific labelling on goods rather than the words "made in Australia from local and imported ingredients".