FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Campbell Soup Company Issues Allergy Alert on Ready to Serve Classic Tomato Soup

NEWS RELEASE



Contact:  Consumer Hotline: 
          1-800-637-7687

For Immediate Release

CAMDEN, NJ, February 8, 2002-Campbell Soup Company (NYSE:CPB) is voluntarily recalling one day's production, 19,792 cases (12 cans in a case) of its 18.7 ounce cans of soup labeled Campbell's Ready To Serve Classic Tomato because it may contain undeclared milk and soy protein. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk and/or soy proteins run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The recalled soup was distributed in 37 states through retail stores. The states include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

The product comes in an 18.7-ounce can with a Ready To Serve banner, a photo of the product and the date code below stamped on two lines on the bottom of the can:

NOV 2002 11211
CT KSYT (four numbers - XX:XX representing military time)

No illnesses have been reported to date.

Campbell identified the labeling problem after receiving two consumer complaints. The recall was initiated after Campbell investigated the complaints and discovered that a small quantity of the milk- and soy protein-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of these ingredients. The mislabeled can contains Ready To Serve Classic Creamy Tomato Soup and not Ready To Serve Classic Tomato Soup as shown and described on the label. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem occurred because of an error in a plant's label controls.

Consumers who have known food allergies or sensitivities to milk and soy proteins should not eat this product. Consumers are urged to return the product to the store where it was purchased for a full refund.

Should consumers have questions regarding the recall they should call Campbell's consumer hotline at 1-800-637-7687. The hotline is available 24 hours a day.

FDA/Website Management Staff
Web page created by tg 2002-FEB-11.