Balducci’s Apologizes for ‘Chanukah Ham’ Error

NEW YORK — Balducci’s here issued an apology for an “unfortunate error and oversight” that allowed various hams at one location to be advertised with signs indicating they were “delicious for Chanukah.” The signs were spotted at a Balducci’s location in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan by a writer, NancyKay Shapiro, who photographed the displays and published them on a website; the story was then picked up by the New York Daily News. Shapiro wrote she was “tickled” by the display and the subsequent attention. Her website Thursday was selling the images on coffee mugs and greeting cards. Shapiro noted that on her return visit to the store days later she found the signs had been replaced by tags reading "Perfect for the Holidays." Balducci’s in a prepared statement said it would review employee training. “It was never our intention to offend anyone, especially during this holiday,” the retailer said. “We understand why this is offensive and please know we are attempting to determine the source of the error.” The Daily News reported that a Balducci's official blamed the snafu on a stock clerk who normally doesn't work in the meat department.

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