Campbell’s, a well-known soup maker, recently faced controversy surrounding disparaging comments made by its Vice President of Information Technology, Martin Bally. A lawsuit filed by former employee Robert Garza alleged that Bally referred to Campbell’s food as highly processed and for “poor people,” among other derogatory remarks about Indian workers.
The lawsuit, filed on November 20, claimed that Garza was fired in retaliation for wanting to report Bally’s inappropriate comments. In an audio recording that surfaced, Bally reportedly expressed disbelief in Campbell’s food quality, mentioning the use of bioengineered meat and chicken from a 3D printer.
In response to the allegations, Campbell’s swiftly took action, stating that they do not tolerate such language and confirming that Bally was no longer employed as of November 25. The company vehemently denied the claims made about its ingredients, emphasizing that their meat comes from USDA-approved suppliers and does not include bioengineered or artificial meat in their products.
The controversy also shed light on the topic of cultivated meat, also known as lab-grown or bioengineered meat, which is highly regulated and not yet available for sale in grocery stores. Campbell’s clarified that they do not use such products in their soups.
The lawsuit named Campbell’s, Bally, and Garza’s manager as defendants, alleging that the manager failed to address Garza’s concerns and played a role in his termination. Additional allegations against Bally included derogatory remarks about Indian workers and coming to work under the influence of marijuana edibles.
Campbell’s reaffirmed its commitment to quality ingredients and values, expressing pride in the food they produce and the trust consumers place in their products. The company emphasized that the comments made by Bally do not align with their culture and values, apologizing for any hurt caused.
Despite the controversy, Campbell’s continues to be a trusted brand known for its soups and sauces. The company has experienced increased demand for its products as more consumers seek value and convenience in cooking at home. Campbell’s remains dedicated to providing quality food at an affordable price, standing by the integrity of their ingredients and production processes.
