New Zealand Food Safety is advising the public to return a specific brand of mung bean sprouts and sweet mango mesclun salad as they may contain Listeria bacteria.

The products are sold throughout New Zealand, including Vege Star in Greerton and Bidfood Tauranga in Tauriko.

The products are also at Bidfood Rotorua, Fenton Quality Produce in Rotorua, Fresh Market in Whakatane and Fruit Monster fruits, vegetables and groceries in Rotorua.

Consumers should return Living Foods Ltd Spring Life brand Mung Bean Sprouts sold in supermarkets in the North Island, included in Woop and The Kai Box meals distributed nationwide, and Pams brand Sweet Mango Mesclun with dressing Salad sold in supermarkets throughout New Zealand, says a statement from the Ministry of Primary Industries.

Information about the names of stores selling the affected product, 'best before' dates and packaging is available below.

Listeria can make people sick (listeriosis) if they consume contaminated food.

New Zealand Food Safety national manager food compliance services, Jenny Bishop, says customers should return products to the retailer for a full refund or throw the product out.

"Listeriosis infection can be serious among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and their unborn babies, newborn babies, people with weakened immune systems, and elderly people.

"For those in the high-risk groups, listeriosis typically has an incubation period of 2 to 3 weeks (or longer) before symptoms appear.

"Healthy adults are likely to experience only mild infection, causing mild diarrhoea and flu-like symptoms.

"If you have consumed any of these products and have any concerns about your health, seek medical advice."

Spring Life brand Mung Bean Sprouts (200g).

New Zealand Food Safety have not received any reports of illness.

Living Foods Ltd Spring have initiated the recall of the affected products.

Consumer advice

Customers are asked to please follow advice as provided by Woop and The Kai Box if purchased from these businesses.

Affected products should not be consumed. There have been no reports of illness, however, if you have consumed any of these products and have any concerns about your health, seek medical advice.

Customers should return the products to their retailer.

Listeria infection: symptoms and advice

Who to contact

If you have questions, contact Living Foods Ltd:

• Phone: ​09 2571083
• Address: ​107 Kirkbride Road, Mangere, Auckland