The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a significant food recall affecting decorated pound cakes sold at Kroger supermarkets in the Mid-Atlantic region. The recall was initiated by manufacturer Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods after it was discovered the cakes contained an undeclared allergen, posing a potential health risk.
Details of the Pound Cake Recall
According to an FDA notice published on Monday 16 December 2025, the recall involves four specific varieties of decorated pound cake. The issue arose because the cake pans were greased with a product containing soy, an ingredient not declared on the final product labels. This omission could be dangerous for individuals with a soy allergy.
The affected products are: the 8-inch Pound Cake with Buttercream Icing and Pink Roses; the 8-inch Pound Cake with Buttercream Icing and Red Roses; the 6-inch Pound Cake with Buttercream Icing and Red Roses; and the 6-inch Pound Cake with Buttercream Icing and Confetti.
These items were sold at Kroger Mid-Atlantic stores across Virginia and West Virginia, as well as at Ukrop's Market Hall in Richmond, Virginia. Consumers can identify the recalled cakes by the following UPC codes: 72252591452; 72252591456; 72252591820; and 72252591849.
Health Risks and Consumer Advice
The FDA has emphasised that soy is classified as one of the nine major food allergens in the United States. For those with an allergy, exposure can trigger reactions ranging from mild itching or hives to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis.
While no illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported in connection with this recall, customers are strongly urged to check their homes for the products. Anyone who has purchased an affected cake should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For further questions, consumers can contact Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods directly on 804-340-3050, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
A Broader Context of Food Safety
This pound cake recall follows another recent FDA action involving a separate allergen mix-up. Earlier in the same week, White Castle’s frozen food division recalled over 1,000 cases of its Original Sliders after a customer reported a non-life-threatening allergic reaction. The incident was caused by a Jalapeño Cheese Slider, which contains dairy, being mistakenly packed in a box labelled as the dairy-free Original Sliders.
These consecutive incidents highlight the critical importance of accurate food labelling and robust manufacturing controls to protect consumers with allergies. The FDA continues to monitor the situation and advises the public to remain vigilant about checking product labels and recall notices.
