Campbell’s Soup Alert Issued Over Potential Presence of Wood in Broth

Public health alert has been issued for six brands of soup and bowl products, including Campbell’s, after pieces of wood were found in cilantro ingredients.

Federal health officials are warning customers that various soup and bowl products sold at retail and institutional locations in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio, may contain small pieces of wood, which could pose a potential health risk.

Soup and bowl products are usually designed for food service distribution, primarily for use at restaurants and institutions, rather than retail customers. They are typically sold in frozen or refrigerated form rather than cans.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the Campbell’s and other manufacturers’ soup and bowl public health alert on April 11, after a Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) establishment notified the FSIS that cilantro used in the soups’ broths had been recalled, due to the presence of wood being found in the ingredient.

Although the affected soups have only been distributed to locations in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio, FSIS anticipates that additional products may be added to the alert, potentially resulting in a nationwide impact.

The current alert impacts the following products:

A full list of establishment number, lot codes and use/sell by dates can be found on the USDA notice.

Institutions are advised not to serve the affected products. Consumers who have purchased them are urged not to consume them and should either discard or return the products to the place of purchase.

Media outlets and consumers are encouraged to check the release on the FSIS website regularly, as updates may include newly affected products.

Consumers with food safety questions can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854 or via email at MPHotline@usda.gov.

Institutions are advised not to serve the affected products. Consumers who have purchased them are urged not to consume them and should either discard or return them to the place of purchase.