On June 5, 2025, the Hy-Vee supermarket chain voluntarily recalled several sushi products  including crispy shrimp rolls, poke bowls, and vegetarian combos  due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

Twenty days later, on June 25, the FDA classified the recall as Class I, the highest level of alert, reserved for situations where there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to the product could cause serious health consequences or death . This classification highlights an imminent risk to public health, particularly due to the ready-to-eat nature of the foods involved.

According to health authorities, approximately 122.5 cases of the affected products were distributed across Hy-Vee stores in the Midwest region of the United States . The contamination was identified during routine testing of specific lots  all tracked and labeled to allow rapid consumer identification.

This incident reflects broader concern surrounding Listeria, a bacterium capable of growing even in refrigeration and causing serious illness, especially in older adults, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals . The fatality rate can range between 20% and 30%, and symptoms  such as fever, diarrhea, headache, and neck stiffness  may appear up to 70 days after consumption .

Both the FDA and the CDC have increased surveillance of ready-to-eat (RTE) products. In May 2025, they began investigating an outbreak linked to RTE foods that resulted in 10 hospitalizations, with no confirmed fatalities further reinforcing the need for heightened monitoring.

This recall’s significance lies in its preventive impact: Hy-Vee sushi, often consumed casually or on-the-go, presents a critical vector for foodborne illness if not removed promptly.

Key consumer recommendations:

• Discard any product with affected codes immediately.

• Thoroughly clean refrigerators, trays, and utensils that may have come into contact with the sushi or RTE meals.

• Monitor for symptoms: unexplained fever, cramps, diarrhea, or muscle aches in the days following consumption and seek medical attention if they appear.

This event underscores two trends: increased regulatory vigilance (including more rigorous USDA testing protocols since January 2025) and early detection capacity that helps prevent larger public health crises (). While alarming, such recalls  when timely  can save lives.

In conclusion, the Class I recall of Hy-Vee sushi is a clear sign that health agencies are ramping up efforts to protect consumers. People should take all necessary precautions, follow official guidance, and stay informed through regulatory channels. Despite the scare, the FDA's swift action represents a win for food safety in the U.S.