Older people are at greater risk of contracting listeria because they pay less attention to food labelling, claims a new survey. Research carried out by the Irish food agency Safefood found that those over 60 are less likely to throw food away once it is passed its ‘best before’ date. The agency says there is a common misconception that food has only gone off when it looks or smells bad. Listeria can be found in a wide range of chilled ready-to-eat foods, including cooked meats, soft cheeses and pates. Cases of listeria, which can be fatal, have increased in recent years, predominantly among people over 60.