Reactions to the Campbell Soup Controversy

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By  Joshua Sammons

Community Manager

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Welcome back to The Conversation—Newsweek’s roundup of our reader comments. This week we turn our attention to the controversy surrounding the Campbell Soup Company. It has faced criticism over a secret recording in which a senior vice president allegedly mocked the company’s products, customers and employees.

The company has since fired the executive who was recorded calling the soup company's products "highly processed" and for "poor people," and who allegedly made racist comments about Indian employees. Campbell’s wrote in a statement: "The comments were vulgar, offensive and false, and we apologize for the hurt they have caused."

The company is also facing an employment discrimination and retaliation lawsuit in Wayne County Circuit Court, in which a former security analyst alleges he was fired after reporting inappropriate conduct by a senior executive. Campbell’s has denied wrongdoing.

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The incidents have drawn attention on social media and in our comment sections, with some readers calling for boycotts and others questioning how much long-term impact the controversy will have on consumer behavior.

Here is what our readers had to say.

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On Reactions to the Campbell’s Controversy

Original Article: Campbell’s Soup VP Mocks ‘Poor People’ Who Buy Its Food in Secret Recording

Background: Campbell is facing an employment discrimination and retaliation lawsuit in Wayne County Circuit Court after a former security analyst alleged he was fired for reporting inappropriate conduct by a senior executive.

Original Comment: "This just torpedoed any good reputation Campbell's had. It will cost them millions to try to restore their reputation. These days, financial statements include a positive amount for goodwill and intangible assets. This is highly subjective but is added to the balance sheets. Campbell's (The Campbell's Company) reported approximately $9.347 billion in goodwill and intangible assets for the quarter ending July 31, 2025. It will be interesting to see what they put for this quarter."—ab_normal

Editor’s Note: In response to the article, this user focused on the potential reputational and financial impact the controversy could have on the company. They note that the fallout could cost the company millions as it works to restore public trust.

Original Comment: "Every once in a while, we hear the real scoop from inside a mega corporation…and it makes good folks disgusted for a little while…until they return to consume, as they were taught."—pirn

Editor’s Note: This commenter views the controversy as part of a recurring pattern in which major companies face criticism but customers eventually move on. Their remark questions how much real impact such revelations have on long-term consumer behavior.

Original Comment: "I always thought of Campbell's Soup as the standard for all types of soups that they make. I stand CORRECTED!!! I will NEVER EVER buy another Can of Campbell for the rest of my life."—sohailakhan

Editor’s Note: This reader describes a personal boycott, saying the controversy has permanently changed their perception of the brand. Similar comments from other users expressed anger and a desire to avoid Campbell’s products.

On the Florida 'Shutdown' Threat to Campbell Soup

Original Article: Campbell Soup at Risk of Being ‘Shut Down’ in Florida After Secret Audio

Background: Florida’s attorney general has said he will "shut down" violators of the state’s law on lab-grown meat and has announced an investigation into Campbell’s in response to the secret recording. "We don’t do the fake, lab grown meat here in Florida," James Uthmeier wrote on X, referring to potential violations of state law. Any enforcement action would apply to Campbell’s operations in Florida, not the company as a whole.

Original Comment: "Sounds like he was speaking out against bioengineered meat…Why is bioengineered meat bad but bioengineered corn and soybeans are not? Nearly all the corn grown in America is bioengineered (94%) and nearly all soybeans grown in America are bioengineered (94%)…And what about cattle that are fed bioengineered feed, does that also make the meat bioengineered?"—John440

Editor’s Note: Instead of focusing on Campbell's itself, this commenter zeros in on what they see as inconsistencies in how bioengineered foods are perceived and regulated. They point out that genetically engineered crops are widely used in U.S. agriculture and question why lab-grown or bioengineered meat is treated differently.

Original Comment: "Forida has the most inequitable tax system in the country, the highest property insurance rates, the second-highest flood risk and a government intent on banning books they don't like but they are prioritizing laboratory-grown meat?"—RickUWS

Editor’s Note: This reader uses the Campbell’s investigation to criticize Florida’s political priorities more broadly. They argue that the state faces other pressing issues and question why enforcement around lab-grown meat is receiving such prominent attention.

Thank you for carrying on the conversation by sharing your thoughts and opinions. Keep an eye out for more highlighted comments over the next few weeks.

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