Shoppers in Virginia and West Virginia are being urged to check their freezers after a mislabeling mistake led to the recall of four decorated pound cakes sold at 28 Kroger Mid-Atlantic locations and Ukrop’s Market Hall in Richmond. The cakes, all carrying a best-by date of December 15, 2025, contained a soy-based cake-release agent that was not disclosed on the ingredient labels, creating a potential safety concern for individuals with soy allergies.
The recall was initiated by Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods and formalized by the FDA on December 15, 2025, following discovery of the labeling violation.
What Triggered the Recall
The recall centers on a cake-release agent used to keep cakes from sticking to pans. That agent contained soy, one of the major allergens that must be clearly identified on packaging under U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations. Because the soy ingredient did not appear on the labels, the products violated federal allergen disclosure requirements and were pulled from sale.
All four cakes were produced by Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods. The affected varieties are: 8″ Pound Cake with Buttercream Icing/Pink Roses (UPC 72252591452), 8″ Pound Cake with Buttercream Icing/Red Roses (UPC 72252591456), 6″ Pound Cake with Buttercream Icing/Red Roses (UPC 72252591820), and 6″ Pound Cake with Buttercream Icing/Confetti (UPC 72252591849). All carry the same best-by date of December 15, 2025.
Health Risk and Current Status
The FDA has emphasized that soy allergies can provoke reactions ranging from mild hives and itching to life-threatening anaphylaxis. However, at the time of the recall notice, the FDA reported no illnesses or allergic reactions had been reported in connection with the affected products.
Store Response and Customer Instructions
Kroger Mid-Atlantic, which operates 28 locations in Virginia and West Virginia, and Ukrop’s Market Hall in Richmond have begun removing the four specific products from shelves and notifying customers. Store employees are handling product checks, disposal, and customer questions during the busy holiday shopping period.
Customers who purchased the affected cakes are advised to check both the UPC numbers and the best-by date (12/15/2025). Any cake matching the listed product codes and date should be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund. Public health officials recommend that anyone with a soy allergy avoid eating the recalled cakes and monitor ongoing recall alerts from retailers and the FDA.
The recall has prompted some households, particularly those managing food allergies, to examine frozen desserts in their homes and review ingredient lists on bakery items more carefully.
Broader Context: Allergen Standards and Supply Chain
Although this incident is limited to Kroger Mid-Atlantic and Ukrop’s locations in Virginia and West Virginia, it reflects a broader international push for more consistent allergen labeling standards. Many countries are working to align requirements for major allergens such as soy to facilitate trade and reduce the risk of mislabeling across borders. Cases like this demonstrate how a labeling failure can disrupt food supply chains, erode consumer trust, and complicate both domestic and export sales.
Within the United States, the FDA continues to stress enforcement of allergen rules to protect consumers. A recall of this type can lead to more frequent inspections, closer scrutiny of allergen controls, and detailed review of ingredient documentation, especially where third-party ingredients such as release agents are involved.
Supply Chain Gaps and Business Costs
The pound cake recall highlights how a single overlooked ingredient in the supply chain can have wide consequences. A soy-containing cake-release agent that was not fully captured in label information forced the removal of finished products, staff time, and direct financial losses.
Allergen-related recalls tend to be costly for manufacturers. Companies typically face expenses for product retrieval, disposal, and customer reimbursement, along with potential increases in insurance premiums and the need for more frequent audits. Unsold stock must often be discarded. Beyond immediate costs, manufacturers may invest in retraining staff, tightening supplier oversight, and upgrading quality control systems to prevent similar errors. Reputational impacts can also affect future sales, particularly among allergy-aware consumers who track labeling incidents.
Consumer Behavior and Industry Response
For people with soy allergies, the recall is another reminder to double-check labels and stay informed about retailer alerts, especially during holidays when celebration cakes and desserts are frequently purchased. Some shoppers may opt for products with shorter ingredient lists, more prominent allergen statements, or brands known for robust allergen controls. Others may turn to home baking or certified allergen-conscious manufacturers.
This changing behavior can create opportunities for businesses that emphasize clear labeling and allergen-focused product lines. Companies that invest in allergen-free formulations, independent certifications, or transparent ingredient documentation may gain trust among families managing food allergies, while those linked to mislabeling incidents could face increased skepticism.
More broadly, this pound cake recall underscores that accurate allergen labeling and supply chain transparency are now central consumer expectations rather than optional features. As regulatory and consumer scrutiny intensifies, food manufacturers are likely to face growing pressure to strengthen their controls, document every ingredient in multi-step production processes, and communicate clearly with the public when problems arise.
Sources
“Cakes sold at Kroger recalled. See affected items.” USA Today, 16 Dec 2025.
“FDA issues recall on cakes sold at Kroger.” The Independent, 15 Dec 2025.
“Pound cakes recalled because of undeclared soy.” Food Safety News, 15 Dec 2025.