Richmond, Virginia — Consumers who recently purchased ready-made meals from major grocery chains are being urged to check their refrigerators and freezers after Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods voluntarily recalled several products over concerns they may contain small metal fragments.
The recall affects multiple prepared meals sold at retailers including Publix, Kroger, Food Lion, Libbie Market, and other grocery stores across Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
Metal Slivers Discovered During Routine Inspection
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recall was initiated after a small aluminum sliver was discovered in a baking pan used to prepare several ready-made meals during a routine inspection.
The agency said investigators later identified a similar metal fragment in a Chicken Cobbler product, prompting a broader recall.
An investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) traced the contamination to baking pans supplied by an external manufacturer.
Officials said the affected baking pans have since been removed from distribution.
Which Products Are Being Recalled?
The recall includes Baked Spaghetti, Chicken Cobbler, and Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce products carrying best-by dates between July 6 and Aug. 5, 2026.
The affected products are:
- Baked Spaghetti (14.8 oz) — UPC 72251528211 — Best by: July 8, 2026, through Aug. 5, 2026
- Baked Spaghetti (62.4 oz) — UPC 72251529211 — Best by: July 8, 2026, through Aug. 5, 2026
- Chicken Cobbler (11.6 oz) — UPC 72251528457 — Best by: July 8, 2026, through Aug. 5, 2026
- Chicken Cobbler (48 oz) — UPC 72251529457 — Best by: July 8, 2026, through Aug. 5, 2026
- Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce (13.8 oz) — UPC 72251528044 — Best by: July 6, 2026, through Aug. 3, 2026
- Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce Kit (4 lb) — UPC 72251591732 — Best by: July 6, 2026, through Aug. 3, 2026
Consumers who have any of these products are advised to check both their refrigerators and freezers, as some items may have been stored for later use.
FDA Urges Consumers Not to Eat the Products
The FDA and FSIS are advising consumers not to consume any of the recalled meals. Instead, shoppers should return the products to the store where they were purchased for a full refund.
Officials emphasized that the recall extends beyond products currently on store shelves because many customers may still have the meals at home.
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Company Says No Injuries Have Been Reported
Ukrop said no illnesses or injuries have been linked to the recall and emphasized that consumer safety remains its highest priority.
The company added that only the products included in the recall are affected, and retailers have already begun removing them from store shelves.
Founded in 1937, Ukrop manufactures a wide range of prepared foods, including desserts, side dishes, salads, beverages, and hors d’oeuvres, primarily serving grocery stores throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
This marks the company’s second voluntary recall in recent months. In December 2025, Ukrop recalled certain pound cakes because of an undeclared soy allergen, which could have posed a serious health risk for individuals with soy allergies.
Consumers with questions about the current recall can contact Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods at 804-340-3050, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET.
Have you recently purchased any of these ready-made meals? Let us know whether this recall has affected you, and remember to check your refrigerator or freezer before preparing these products.
