Warmer weather is likely to coincide with a rise in cases of food-borne illnesses, according to a food safety group.
The Foodsafe Partnership, a coalition of industry bodies including the Food Safety Authority, is reminding people to take extra care when handling food this summer.
It is estimated that 40% of all food-borne illness in New Zealand happens because people have not handled food properly.
Food Safety Authority deputy chief executive Sandra Daly says there is a rise in such illnesses every summer because bacteria and pathogens grow quickly in warmer weather.
Because people have more picnics and barbecues outdoors, they do not tend to take as much care with food as they normally would, she says.
