North Chesterfield, Virginia — Federal food safety officials have announced the recall of nearly 23,000 pounds of ready-to-eat meals after concerns that some products may contain metal slivers.
The recall affects several varieties of Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods baked spaghetti and chicken cobbler sold across multiple states, prompting consumers to check both their refrigerators and freezers.
Customer Complaint Triggered the Recall
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the recall was launched after a customer discovered a piece of metal inside one of the company’s fully cooked products.
FSIS said the products may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically metal slivers, creating a potential safety risk for consumers.
Officials noted that no injuries have been reported in connection with the recalled products so far. However, anyone who believes they may have been injured after consuming one of the affected meals is advised to seek medical attention.
Which Products Are Being Recalled?
The recall covers products manufactured between July 1 and July 29, 2026.
According to FSIS, the affected items include:
- 62.4-ounce bulk pans of Ukrop’s Baked Spaghetti
- 4.8-ounce single-serving trays of Ukrop’s Baked Spaghetti
- 48-ounce family-size pans of Ukrop’s Chicken Cobbler
- 11.6-ounce single-serving trays of Ukrop’s Chicken Cobbler
The recalled meals carry “Best By” dates ranging from July 8 through Aug. 5, 2026.
Products Were Sold in Multiple States
Federal officials said the recalled meals were distributed to retailers in Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia.
The products were also available through Department of War commissaries and online sales, meaning consumers outside those states may also have purchased the affected items.
Because many of the meals are designed to be frozen or refrigerated, FSIS is urging consumers to check products already stored at home, not just recently purchased items.
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What Consumers Should Do Next
FSIS advises anyone who purchased the recalled products not to consume them.
Instead, consumers should throw the products away or return them to the retailer for a full refund, even if they appear normal or remain frozen.
Officials emphasized that the recall was issued out of caution after the reported discovery of metal in one product, and the agency continues monitoring the situation.
Another Metal-Related Food Recall This Year
The latest recall comes only weeks after Rich Products Corp. recalled more than 160,000 pounds of Farm Rich Pizza Cheese Crunchers because the frozen snacks also may have contained metal fragments.
That earlier recall affected products distributed across 21 states, highlighting continued concerns about foreign material contamination in processed foods.
Consumers are encouraged to review recall notices carefully and verify whether any products in their homes match the affected packaging and date codes.
Have you ever been affected by a food recall? Do you regularly check recall alerts before using products stored in your freezer? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
