Metal concerns prompt recall of Ukrop's meals sold in Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia

A recall affecting nearly 23,000 pounds of prepared meals is putting shoppers in Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia on alert after a consumer reported finding metal in one of the products after cooking it.

According to WSLS 10, Ukrop's Homestyle Foods is recalling multiple package sizes of its baked spaghetti and chicken cobbler products, but thankfully, federal officials said no injuries have been reported.

What happened?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service says the recall covers about 22,880 pounds of ready-to-eat products.

The recalled items were made during a production window from July 1, 2026, to July 29, 2026, and include Ukrop's Baked Spaghetti and Ukrop's Chicken Cobbler sold in both bulk and smaller tray sizes. Shoppers can identify them by best-by dates running from July 8, 2026, through August 5, 2026.

Federal officials said the issue surfaced after a customer reported finding a small metal fragment in a meal after it was cooked. The products were distributed to retail stores in Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia, as well as the Department of Defense and online purchasers.

Why does it matter?

Even a small metal fragment can chip teeth, injure the mouth, or cause more serious internal harm if swallowed. A meal may appear normal and still pose a danger.

Food recalls also can point to weaknesses in industrial food production, including equipment failures, rushed processing, supply-chain shortcuts, or inconsistent safety checks.

What can I do?

Consumers are being warned not to take chances with any affected Ukrop's products.

If you bought Ukrop's Baked Spaghetti or Chicken Cobbler with the affected best-by dates, do not eat it. The FSIS is urging consumers to throw the products away or return them to the place where they were purchased, according to WSLS 10.

Check your refrigerators, freezers, and any meals set aside for later use, especially if you shop in the affected states or order prepared foods online. If you shared these products with family members, make sure they are aware of the recall as well.

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