A new alert is affecting grocery favorites—here’s what you need to know before your next meal
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If you’ve recently picked up a prepared meal from your local grocery store, now’s a good time to take a closer look at what’s in your fridge.
A new safety advisory from federal regulators is raising concerns about a popular food item that many shoppers enjoy, especially during the warmer months.
While the alert may not affect every household, it’s important enough to warrant extra attention—especially for older adults or anyone with health conditions.
It’s also a reminder that even well-known supermarket products aren’t immune to serious food safety risks.
Here’s what’s happening, and how you can stay informed and protected.
On June 5, Hy-Vee, a regional supermarket chain based in Iowa, voluntarily pulled a number of its sushi products from shelves.
Nearly three weeks later, on June 25, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the situation as a Class I recall—the most urgent category, used when there’s a significant risk of severe health outcomes or even death.
This kind of warning is not issued lightly and signals that the recalled items should be avoided entirely.
Unlike many bacteria that stop growing in cold environments, listeria monocytogenes can continue to multiply even in your refrigerator.
That means storing affected products properly may not reduce the risk.
For most people, listeria may cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, or nausea.
But for individuals over 60, as well as pregnant people, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems, it can become life-threatening.
Dr. Mary O’Riordan, a professor of microbiology at the University of Michigan, explains that early symptoms can be easy to miss: “Listeria has an unusual capacity to grow at refrigerated temperatures… sometimes it can spread into the brain and cause more serious illness, like meningitis.”
Purdue food scientist Dr. Haley F. Oliver adds that infection severity varies, especially for people who are immunocompromised.
The recall centers on various shrimp-based sushi rolls and poke bowls sold at Hy-Vee supermarkets across the Midwest. If you’ve purchased sushi from one of their locations recently, check for the following product names and codes:
Not sure if your item is affected? Check the packaging for a matching code, or call your local Hy-Vee for help.
Don’t take chances with recalled products. Even if they look or smell perfectly normal, they may still contain harmful bacteria.
You can return the product to Hy-Vee for a refund, or safely dispose of it.
If you already consumed the product and experience symptoms such as fever, nausea, or confusion, don’t wait—contact your doctor immediately.
Listeria can take days or weeks to cause symptoms, so any lingering discomfort is worth checking out.
While sushi may be the focus today, listeria can be found in a range of cold-stored foods like deli meats, soft cheeses, and unpasteurized milk.
The Cleveland Clinic advises older adults and those with health conditions to be especially cautious.
Here are a few habits that can help protect you and your household:
As our grocery options expand and prepared foods become more convenient, occasional recalls may become more frequent.
While that may sound unsettling, it also shows that food safety systems are working to prevent harm.
The quick response from Hy-Vee and the FDA helps protect consumers—especially those most vulnerable.
And for readers in The GrayVine community, it’s one more reason to stay informed and watch out for one another.
Read next: Sweet treat recall: Popular product pulled nationwide over allergy risk
We’d love to hear your story. What do you do to stay on top of food safety alerts? Do you have tips for safe shopping, cooking, or meal prep? Drop your questions or thoughts in the comments—your insights might just help someone else stay safe!
A new safety advisory from federal regulators is raising concerns about a popular food item that many shoppers enjoy, especially during the warmer months.
While the alert may not affect every household, it’s important enough to warrant extra attention—especially for older adults or anyone with health conditions.
It’s also a reminder that even well-known supermarket products aren’t immune to serious food safety risks.
Here’s what’s happening, and how you can stay informed and protected.
Recent food safety alerts have prompted shoppers to take a closer look at their grocery items. Image Source: Pexels / Markus Winkler.
A serious recall highlights growing concerns over foodborne illness
On June 5, Hy-Vee, a regional supermarket chain based in Iowa, voluntarily pulled a number of its sushi products from shelves.
Nearly three weeks later, on June 25, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the situation as a Class I recall—the most urgent category, used when there’s a significant risk of severe health outcomes or even death.
This kind of warning is not issued lightly and signals that the recalled items should be avoided entirely.
Also read: Costco Shoppers Are Obsessed with This Revolutionary Ready-to-Eat Tray—Find Out Why It’s Flying Off the Shelves!
What makes this different? Understanding the listeria risk
Unlike many bacteria that stop growing in cold environments, listeria monocytogenes can continue to multiply even in your refrigerator.
That means storing affected products properly may not reduce the risk.
For most people, listeria may cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, or nausea.
But for individuals over 60, as well as pregnant people, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems, it can become life-threatening.
Dr. Mary O’Riordan, a professor of microbiology at the University of Michigan, explains that early symptoms can be easy to miss: “Listeria has an unusual capacity to grow at refrigerated temperatures… sometimes it can spread into the brain and cause more serious illness, like meningitis.”
Purdue food scientist Dr. Haley F. Oliver adds that infection severity varies, especially for people who are immunocompromised.
Also read: You won’t believe which 8 grocery chains have ready-made meals that outshine takeout!
These Hy-Vee sushi products were recalled
The recall centers on various shrimp-based sushi rolls and poke bowls sold at Hy-Vee supermarkets across the Midwest. If you’ve purchased sushi from one of their locations recently, check for the following product names and codes:
- Crispy Shrimp Roll 10Pc (code: 02-86792-00000)
- Crunchy Shrimp Roll (code: 02-86793-00000)
- Red Dragon Roll (code: 02-86811-00000)
- Rock N Roll Shrimp 10Ct (code: 02-86813-00000)
- Duo Spicy Calif Shrimp 10Pc (code: 02-86832-00000)
- Duo Spicy Veg Shrimp 10Pc (code: 02-86835-00000)
- Duo Crunchy Calif Shrimp 10Pc (code: 02-86840-00000)
- Duo Crispy Calif Shrimp 10Pc (code: 02-86841-00000)
- Duo Crunchy Veg Shrimp 10Pc (code: 02-86846-00000)
- Duo Crispy Veg Shrimp 10Pc (code: 02-86847-00000)
- Spicy Shrimp Poke Bowl (code: 02-86882-00000)
Not sure if your item is affected? Check the packaging for a matching code, or call your local Hy-Vee for help.
Sushi is a popular ready-to-eat option—but like all perishable foods, it requires careful handling and awareness of recalls. Image Source: Pexels / Valeria Boltneva.
Also read: A slice of heaven: Costco’s newest dessert has shoppers singing praises
What to do if you purchased these items
Don’t take chances with recalled products. Even if they look or smell perfectly normal, they may still contain harmful bacteria.
You can return the product to Hy-Vee for a refund, or safely dispose of it.
If you already consumed the product and experience symptoms such as fever, nausea, or confusion, don’t wait—contact your doctor immediately.
Listeria can take days or weeks to cause symptoms, so any lingering discomfort is worth checking out.
Also read: Could the fish in your fridge leave you paralyzed? Urgent recall issued across multiple states
Simple steps to lower your risk in the future
While sushi may be the focus today, listeria can be found in a range of cold-stored foods like deli meats, soft cheeses, and unpasteurized milk.
The Cleveland Clinic advises older adults and those with health conditions to be especially cautious.
Here are a few habits that can help protect you and your household:
- Check food recall alerts regularly
- Clean your fridge often—especially after a recall
- Wash hands, tools, and surfaces when handling raw or high-risk foods
- If in doubt, throw it out
As our grocery options expand and prepared foods become more convenient, occasional recalls may become more frequent.
While that may sound unsettling, it also shows that food safety systems are working to prevent harm.
The quick response from Hy-Vee and the FDA helps protect consumers—especially those most vulnerable.
And for readers in The GrayVine community, it’s one more reason to stay informed and watch out for one another.
Read next: Sweet treat recall: Popular product pulled nationwide over allergy risk
We’d love to hear your story. What do you do to stay on top of food safety alerts? Do you have tips for safe shopping, cooking, or meal prep? Drop your questions or thoughts in the comments—your insights might just help someone else stay safe!
