PACKETS of sliced ham are being recalled by a Walkden supplier after an unsavoury addition to the ingredients listed on the label.

Added to contents such as salt and preservatives were the words "dog s***".

A company spokesman said there had been interference to the labelling machine.

A 21-year-old man was arrested by police.

The offending words were found on the label of a 300g packet of the cooked meat supplied by HR Hargreaves & Son of Smithfold Lane, Walkden.

A couple bought the ham at a shop in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

Student Mick Woods, aged 34, saw the label after his partner, Tracey, aged 28, bought the "premium" ham for 99p.

The father of three said: "Obviously I haven't eaten it. It sort of puts you off.

"We spent 40 minutes laughing. But we haven't put any in the kids' sandwiches and we had something else for our tea."

The firm are trying to recall other packets.

A spokesman for HR Hargreaves said: "A number of packs are affected. We're trying to find out what shops they're in."

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "A 21-year-old man from Salford, was arrested on suspicion of making claims to have made goods appear contaminated."

The arrested man has been bailed by police as detectives continued to investigate.