Fronterra, which produces Anchor and Pams fresh cream, released a statement yesterday saying it was conducting a voluntary recall of 300ml and 500ml bottles with a best before date of 21 January 2014, distributed in the North Island from Northland to Turangi, including Gisborne.

The 8700 bottles of cream had been distributed to shops and restaurants.

Fonterra Brands New Zealand managing director Peter McClure said quality tests had shown a possibility that the bottles had E.Coli.E.coli can cause infections and symptoms similar to food poisoning.

This comes after a major botulism scare for Fonterra last year which led to thousands of infant formula products being recalled.

The scare, which eventually proved to be baseless, damaged confidence in New Zealand dairy products.

McClure said the company was sorry for the latest inconvenience but "food safety and quality are our top priorities".

This recall does not affect any other Anchor or Pams products.

Consumers are advised not to consume the product and to return it to where they bought it for a refund.