Frozen vegetables have been blamed for a deadly outbreak of an infection.

Since 2015, 47 cases of listeriosis have been reported in Austria, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, leading to 9 deaths.

Listeriosis is a rare infection caused by eating food that has been contaminated with Listeria.

Somerset County Gazette:

The Food Standards Agency and Public Health England have warned people to ensure they cook all frozen food properly before eating it to ensure they do not catch the infection.

The European Food Standards Agency has traced the source back to a Hungarian company and mainly involves frozen sweetcorn, but other frozen vegetables could also be contaminated.

Dr Kathie Grant, Head of Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit at Public Health England, said: "We have been working with partners to identify the cause of 11 cases of listeriosis dating back to 2015, which are part of a larger outbreak across Europe.

"Most people won’t have any symptoms of the infection or will only experience mild symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea, which usually pass within a few days without the need for treatment.

Somerset County Gazette:

"More serious infection can develop in those with weakened immune systems or in vulnerable groups including babies, the elderly or pregnant women.

"The best way to prevent listeriosis is to practise good food hygiene. Along with the FSA, FSS and HPS, we are reminding people that most frozen vegetables, including sweetcorn, need to be cooked before eating. This includes if adding them to salads, smoothies or dips."

Somerset County Gazette: