Three types of ready-to-eat deli salads sold in Foodstuffs stores across New Zealand are being recalled due to the possible presence of Listeria bacteria.

The products affected are Hawaiian Pasta with Creamy Dressing, Chicken Caesar Penne and Loaded Potato sold in plastic containers in Four Square, New World and Pak'nSave stores.

The products are supplied by Spiers Food, a food production company that produces salads, fresh cut vegetables and in-deli store foods.

Chicken Caesar Penne and Loaded Potato was also sold from Foodstuffs in-store deli counters.

Listeria can make people sick if they consume contaminated food.

New Zealand Food Safety national manager food compliance services, Melinda Sando, says people who have purchased the affected product should throw it away or return it to the retailer for a full refund.

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

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

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

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

Specifically the products are:

• Hawaiian pasta with creamy dressing (250g, 400g and in-store deli counters; use-by date July 11)
• Chicken Caesar penne (200g, 350g, and in-store deli counters; use-by date July 13)
• Loaded Potato (400gm and in-store deli counters- use by date July 12).