A recall of sushi products has been issued the highest risk classification by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Hy-Vee, a supermarket chain headquartered in Iowa, issued a voluntary recall for a range of sushi products on June 5 because of possible listeria contamination. The FDA subsequently issued its Class 1 risk classification on June 25.

Newsweek contacted Hy-Vee for comment by email outside regular working hours.

Stock image. A recall of numerous Hy-Vee sushi products has been issued a Class 1 risk classification by the FDA. Frank Duenzl/picture-alliance/dpa/AP

Why It Matters

A Class I risk classification represents "a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death," according to the FDA.

Listeria contamination may lead to a range of symptoms in infected individuals. For those experiencing less severe infections, symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, which often last between one and three days, the FDA said.

For more severe and potentially life-threatening infections, symptoms may include headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Severe infections are particularly dangerous for newborns, adults over age 65 and those with weakened immune systems.

What To Know

The affected products were sent to Hy-Vee retail locations throughout the Midwest, according to the FDA. The affected products include:

• Crispy Shrimp Roll 10Pc - 122.5 cases - code: 02-86792-00000
• Crunchy Shrimp Roll - 122.5 cases - code: 02-86793-00000
• Red Dragon Roll - 122.5 cases - code: 02-86811-00000
• Rock N Roll Shrimp 10Ct - 122.5 cases - code: 02-86813-00000
• Duo Spicy Calif Shrimp 10Pc - 122.5 cases - code: 02-86832-00000
• Duo Spicy Veg Shrimp 10Pc - 122.5 cases - code: 02-86835-00000
• Duo Crunchy Calif Shrimp 10Pc - 122.5 cases - code: 02-86840-00000
• Duo Crispy Calif Shrimp 10Pc - 122.5 cases - code: 02-86841-00000
• Duo Crunchy Veg Shrimp 10Pc - 122.5 cases - code: 02-86846-00000
• Duo Crispy Veg Shrimp 10Pc - 122.5 cases - code: 02-86847-00000
• Spicy Shrimp Poke Bowl - 122.5 cases - code: 02-86882-00000

What People Are Saying

Haley F. Oliver, a professor of food science at Purdue University, previously told Newsweek: "Listeria monocytogenes is a common microorganism that can be found in the natural environment, for example in soil. There are many factors that determine if someone gets listeriosis—a listeria infection. In most instances, an immunocompromised person, so young, old, pregnant or otherwise immunocompromised, must eat contaminated food. The number of bacteria resulting in infection and the amount of time before illness varies considerably. Symptoms vary among people but can include fever, flu-like symptoms, headache, stiff neck, confusion and loss of balance."

Mary O'Riordan, a professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Michigan Medical School, previously told Newsweek: "Listeria has an unusual capacity to grow at refrigerated temperatures. Although the bacterium can contaminate many types of food, cheeses or deli meats that are kept in cold storage for long periods in stores or at home, are a place where Listeria can keep growing.

"Early symptoms of listeria infection look similar to other common foodborne infections, including fever, diarrhea and vomiting, so it's often not diagnosed right away. Unfortunately, sometimes listeria can spread into the brain and cause more serious illness, like meningitis. In those cases, if people experience headache, stiff neck or confusion, they should seek urgent medical attention."

Cleveland Clinic, on its website: "Listeria is a bacterial infection that's more dangerous during pregnancy. It can cause pregnancy loss, lifelong illness in your child and newborn death. It causes flu-like and digestive symptoms. Avoiding foods like deli meats, soft cheeses and unpasteurized milk can reduce your risk."

What Happens Next

The recall is listed as ongoing, according to the FDA.