New Zealand Food Safety is issuing a safety warning about the potentially deadly risk of listeriosis in our food

The illness is a result of consuming high levels of listeria - a bacterium that can grow in many environments, including when food is refrigerated.

It caused the death of seven people in 2023 and 40 people were hospitalised in the past year because of listeriosis.

New Zealand Food Safety, says deli meats, pates, smoked seafood, soft cheeses, and bagged salads are higher risk foods.

It suggests refrigerating left overs quickly, washing and drying fruits and vegetables, and re-heating food to steaming hot - above 70 degrees before eating.