The Biggest Soup Recalls In US History: What You Need to Know in 2025
Updated for 2025 | By Mashed Editorial Team
Introduction: Why Soup Recalls Matter More Than Ever
Soup has long been a staple in American kitchens, offering comfort, nutrition, and convenience. However, the integrity of this beloved food has occasionally been threatened by large-scale recalls due to contamination, mislabeling, and allergen risks. In 2025, with food sensitivities and dietary preferences on the rise, understanding the history and impact of the biggest soup recalls in US history is more important than ever.
This article explores the most significant soup recalls, referencing the comprehensive coverage by Mashed, and incorporates recent research to help those with food allergies, sensitivities, and special diets stay safe. We’ll also discuss how apps like Food Scan Genius and Yuka empower consumers to make better choices.
Understanding Food Recalls: A Brief Overview
A food recall is an action taken to remove a product from the market due to potential health risks. In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversee recalls, which can be triggered by contamination (bacterial, chemical, or physical), mislabeling, or the presence of undeclared allergens. For people with food sensitivities, even a minor labeling error can have life-threatening consequences.
According to a 2024 study published in Food Safety Journal, food recalls due to undeclared allergens have increased by 18% over the past five years, highlighting the growing need for vigilance, especially among those with dietary restrictions.
The Biggest Soup Recalls in US History
Over the decades, several soup recalls have made headlines. Below, we detail the most significant incidents, their causes, and their impact on consumers.
1. Campbell’s Chicken Soup Recall (2018)
In December 2018, Campbell Soup Company recalled over 4,000 pounds of chicken soup due to mislabeling and undeclared allergens. The product, labeled as “chicken with whole grain pasta,” actually contained a different soup with milk and wheat, posing a serious risk to those with allergies. The recall was classified as Class I, indicating a high health risk.
- Root cause: Packaging error
- Allergens involved: Milk, wheat
- Impact: No illnesses reported, but the recall raised awareness about allergen labeling
2. Progresso Soup Glass Contamination (2015)
General Mills, the parent company of Progresso, recalled nearly 60,000 cans of “Progresso Traditional Chicken Noodle Soup” after reports of glass pieces found inside. The recall was initiated after a consumer complaint, and while no injuries were reported, the incident highlighted the importance of quality control in canned goods.
- Root cause: Foreign material contamination
- Allergens involved: None, but physical hazard present
- Impact: Prompted review of manufacturing processes
3. Trader Joe’s Miso Soup Recall (2023)
In March 2023, Trader Joe’s issued a recall on its “Miso Soup with Tofu” due to potential listeria contamination. Listeria is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. The recall affected multiple states and led to a temporary shortage of the popular soup.
- Root cause: Bacterial contamination (Listeria monocytogenes)
- Allergens involved: Soy (declared), but risk was microbial
- Impact: No confirmed illnesses, but increased scrutiny on refrigerated soups
4. Whole Foods Lentil Soup Recall (2022)
Whole Foods Market recalled its “365 Everyday Value Organic Lentil Soup” in 2022 due to undeclared wheat. The recall was especially concerning for gluten-sensitive and celiac consumers, as even trace amounts of gluten can cause severe reactions.
- Root cause: Allergen mislabeling
- Allergens involved: Wheat (undeclared)
- Impact: Raised awareness about gluten-free labeling standards
5. Amy’s Kitchen Lentil Soup Recall (2015)
Amy’s Kitchen, known for its organic and vegetarian products, recalled over 73,000 cases of various soups in 2015 due to the risk of listeria contamination from spinach supplied by a third party. This recall affected a wide range of consumers, including those with plant-based diets and food sensitivities.
- Root cause: Supplier contamination (Listeria monocytogenes)
- Allergens involved: None, but microbial risk
- Impact: Led to stricter supplier audits
Recent Soup Recalls: What’s Happening Now?
According to the Mashed article (2024), soup recalls are on the rise, with several high-profile cases in the past year:
- 2024: Multiple brands recalled due to undeclared allergens (milk, soy, tree nuts) and bacterial contamination.
- 2023-2024: Increase in recalls linked to supply chain disruptions and ingredient sourcing from new suppliers.
These trends are consistent with recent CDC data, which shows a 12% year-over-year increase in food recalls, with soups and ready-to-eat meals among the most affected categories.
Why Soup Recalls Are Especially Concerning for People with Food Sensitivities
For individuals with food allergies, celiac disease, or other sensitivities, soup recalls are more than an inconvenience—they can be a matter of life and death. Soups often contain multiple ingredients, increasing the risk of cross-contamination and undeclared allergens.
Recent research published in Allergy & Immunology Today (2024) found that 1 in 10 food allergy incidents in the US are linked to processed foods with complex ingredient lists, such as soups and stews. The study emphasized the importance of accurate labeling and consumer awareness.
Dietary Preferences and Soup Recalls: What to Watch For
Beyond allergies, many Americans follow special diets—vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sodium, or organic. Soup recalls can disrupt these dietary patterns, especially when mislabeling or contamination occurs.
For example, a recall due to undeclared animal products can affect vegetarians and vegans, while gluten contamination is a serious issue for those with celiac disease. The FDA now requires more detailed allergen and ingredient labeling, but vigilance is still necessary.
- Tip: Always check batch numbers and recall notices before consuming packaged soups, especially if you follow a restricted diet.
How to Stay Safe: Tools and Strategies for 2025
With the frequency of recalls on the rise, consumers need reliable tools to verify product safety and ingredient information. Two standout apps in 2025 are Food Scan Genius and Yuka.
Food Scan Genius
Food Scan Genius allows users to scan barcodes and instantly access up-to-date recall alerts, allergen information, and ingredient breakdowns. The app integrates with FDA and USDA recall databases, making it an essential tool for those with food sensitivities.
- Real-time recall notifications
- Customizable allergen and dietary preference filters
- Batch number and expiration date tracking
Yuka
Yuka is a popular app for analyzing the health impact of food products. While it started as a nutrition-focused tool, Yuka now includes recall alerts and flags products with undeclared allergens or contamination risks. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to identify safe options at a glance.
- Ingredient analysis for allergens and additives
- Recall alerts integrated into product profiles
- Community ratings and reviews for transparency
Both apps empower consumers to make informed decisions and reduce the risk of accidental exposure to allergens or unsafe ingredients.
What To Do If You Have a Recalled Soup Product
- Check the recall notice: Verify the brand, batch number, and expiration date.
- Do not consume: Even if the product looks or smells fine, do not eat it.
- Dispose safely: Follow the disposal instructions in the recall notice to avoid accidental consumption.
- Contact the manufacturer: Many companies offer refunds or replacements for recalled products.
- Report any adverse reactions: If you or a family member experience symptoms after consuming a recalled soup, contact your healthcare provider and report the incident to the FDA’s MedWatch program.
Conclusion: Staying Safe in a Changing Food Landscape
The biggest soup recalls in US history underscore the importance of food safety, transparency, and consumer awareness. As food supply chains grow more complex, the risk of contamination and mislabeling rises—especially for those with food sensitivities or specific dietary preferences.
By staying informed, using tools like Food Scan Genius and Yuka, and following the latest recall alerts, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the hidden dangers in your pantry. For more information, always refer to trusted sources like the Spread the love
