Ukrop recalls prepared meals after possible metal contamination found during production.
Ukrop has recalled more than 22,000 pounds of prepared meals after finding that small pieces of metal may have gotten into some products during production. The company is asking anyone who bought the affected meals to avoid eating them. Instead, the meals should be thrown away or taken back to the store where they were purchased for a refund or other assistance. The recall includes a total of 22,880 pounds of ready-made meals that were produced last month, between July 1 and July 29. These products carry best-by dates ranging from July 8, 2026, through August 5, 2026. Anyone with these meals in a refrigerator or freezer should check the packaging carefully to see if it matches the recalled items.
Two products are part of the recall. One is baked spaghetti sold in a 62.4-ounce aluminum pan and a 14.8-ounce cardboard tray. The other is chicken cobbler, which comes in a 48-ounce aluminum pan and an 11.6-ounce cardboard tray. Both products were made during the listed production period and should not be eaten if they fall within the affected dates.
Metal pieces in food can create a danger for anyone who eats the product. Small bits of metal, when ingested, can cause cuts inside the mouth or throat, damage teeth, or lead to injuries farther down the digestive track. In some cases, medical care may be needed if a person swallows a sharp object. Because of that risk, food recalls involving foreign material are taken seriously even if no injuries have been reported.
People who recently purchased prepared meals from Ukrop should compare the information on the package with the recall details. Looking at the product name, package size, and best-by date can help determine whether the meal is included. If there is any doubt, it is safer to avoid eating the product until more information is available.
Consumers are encouraged to remove the recalled meals from kitchens as soon as possible. Throwing the products away in a secure trash container can help prevent someone else from eating them by mistake. Returning the meals to the place of purchase is another option and may allow customers to receive a refund or replacement, depending on the store’s policy.
Food manufacturers regularly monitor production lines to help prevent unwanted materials from entering food products. Even with those efforts, equipment problems or damaged machinery can sometimes allow small pieces of metal to mix with food during processing. When that possibility is discovered, companies often issue recalls to keep unsafe products out of homes and reduce the chance of injuries.
Prepared meals have become a popular choice for busy families because they offer a quick dinner with little preparation. Many people store these meals for several days before cooking them, making it possible for recalled products to remain in refrigerators or freezers after a recall has been announced. Checking food packages from recent grocery trips can help identify products that should no longer be eaten. It’s important to note that freezing meals does not alter the risk for contamination. Anyone with questions about the recall can contact Ukrop directly by calling 804-340-3104 or by sending an email to the company for more information. Customer service representatives can provide guidance about the recalled products and explain available options for returns or other assistance.
Sources:
Recall alert: Baked spaghetti, chicken cobbler recalled due to potential metal
Ukrop’s recalls 23,000 pounds of frozen meals over metal slivers
Join the conversation!