NZ Sugar apologised to Countdown and consumers.
"I felt sick that day and couldn't sleep."
New Zealand Food Safety has said that the immediate risk from the sugar is low.
Foodstuffs is conducting a recall of raw sugar from its South Island stores as they may be contaminated with low levels of lead.
Soft brown and raw sugar products bought between October 1 and November 4 should not be consumed.
The product is sold at Countdown, FreshChoice and SuperValue outlets.
"Listeriosis infection can be serious among vulnerable groups."
Not all products are affected, however.
New Zealand Food Safety have not received any reports of illness.