Wegmans, Kroger, and Publix Deli Meals Recalled for Potential Metal Contamination

Ukrop's Homestyle Foods is recalling six of its heat-and-eat deli meals sold at major grocery chains, including Wegmans, Kroger, and Publix, over concerns that fragments from baking pans may have contaminated the food.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall after a routine review discovered a small sliver of aluminum in a baking pan used to prepare the affected products. A similar metal fragment was found in a Chicken Cobbler product.

The recalled items were sold in stores across Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. Affected products include 14.8oz and 62.4oz Baked Spaghetti, 11.6oz and 48oz Chicken Cobbler, and 13.8oz and 4lb Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce. Consumers should check for best-by dates between July 6 and August 5, 2026.

In addition to the aforementioned grocers, the deli meals were also distributed through Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Libbie Market, Military Retail, 25th Street Market, and Ukrop's Market Hall.

No injuries have been reported in connection with the recall, according to the FDA. The supplier of the baking pans has begun removing all potentially affected lots from circulation.

Consumers are advised not to consume the recalled meals and to return them to the store for a full refund.

Aluminum is common in food packaging, cookware, beverage cans, and foil. While small amounts occur naturally in some foods and water, and are consumed daily through diet, high levels can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory problems. Health experts generally consider aluminum exposure from food to be safe, with most of the metal passing through the body without absorption. Problems are more often seen in individuals with severe kidney disease. Higher exposure risks can occur through inhalation of aluminum dust in certain workplaces or proximity to mining and processing sites.