The Campbell Soup Company is facing significant scrutiny following the emergence of a leaked recording in which a company vice president made disparaging remarks about the brand’s products and its customers. In a conversation that took place in November 2024, Martin Bally, a vice president at Campbell’s, was recorded expressing his disdain for the company’s offerings, stating that the soup is “s**t for f***king poor people.”
The recording, which was made by Robert Garza, a former cybersecurity analyst at Campbell’s, includes remarks about the soup containing “bioengineered meat,” specifically referencing “chicken that came from a 3D printer.” This statement has led to widespread concern about the ingredients used in Campbell’s products. Although the company has refuted claims regarding the use of lab-grown meat, it has acknowledged that its products may contain genetically modified ingredients, such as canola and corn.
In the recorded discussion, Bally also made derogatory comments about his colleagues, further stirring controversy. Garza, who initially kept the recording private due to “pure disgust,” later reported it to his direct supervisor in January 2025. Just twenty days after his report, Garza’s employment was terminated, prompting him to file a lawsuit against the company. The lawsuit claims that Campbell’s maintained a racially hostile work environment and retaliated against Garza for his actions.
Garza’s attorney, Zachary Runyon, emphasized that Garza had a clean employment record with no prior disciplinary actions. He stated, “He had never had any disciplinary action, they had never written him up for work performance.” After reporting the incident, Garza received no follow-up from Human Resources, raising further questions about the company’s internal practices.
In response to the controversy, Campbell’s has firmly denied the use of lab-grown meat in its products. James F. Regan, director of external communications for Campbell’s, asserted, “We use 100% real chicken in our soups. The chicken meat comes from long-trusted, USDA approved U.S. suppliers.” Regan described any claims to the contrary as “completely false.”
The company also addressed Bally’s comments, declaring that if the recording is genuine, the remarks are “unacceptable” and do not reflect the values or culture of Campbell’s. Bally has been placed on temporary leave as the company conducts an internal investigation.
In light of the ongoing discussion about lab-grown meat, it is important to clarify what this term means. Lab-grown, or cultured meat, is produced from animal cells without the need to slaughter animals. This method can potentially reduce some of the health risks associated with traditional meat production, such as antibiotic resistance and zoonotic diseases. Yet, cultural acceptance remains a significant barrier to its widespread adoption.
As Campbell’s navigates this challenging situation, it remains to be seen how consumer perceptions will shift regarding its products. The incident has sparked conversations about the ethics of food production and the responsibilities of large corporations in maintaining a positive public image. With the holiday season approaching, Campbell’s may face increased pressure to reassure customers about the quality and safety of its offerings.
