COMPANY LAUNCHES INTERNAL REVIEW AFTER CONTROVERSIAL
REMARKS GO VIRAL
Campbell’s has placed an executive on temporary leave after he was allegedly recorded saying the company produces “highly processed food” for “poor people.” The company says the remarks do not reflect its values.
Campbell Soup Company confirmed Monday that it has placed one of its executives on temporary leave after a leaked audio recording appeared to capture him making disparaging remarks about the company’s products and consumers. The executive, whose name has not been officially released, was allegedly heard saying Campbell’s makes “highly processed food” for “poor people.”
The recording circulated widely online, triggering immediate backlash and prompting Campbell’s to open an internal review. In a statement, the company said the comments were “inconsistent with who we are” and emphasized its commitment to quality, affordability and transparency.
While Campbell’s acknowledged the existence of the leaked clip, it did not verify its context or confirm whether the recording had been edited. The company said the leave is temporary while it conducts a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the audio.
The remarks quickly sparked debate about classism, food access and the realities of affordability in the consumer packaged goods industry. Nutrition advocates argue that many low-income households rely heavily on low-cost, shelf-stable foods because of economic constraints, while critics say the recording reflects deeper issues in how corporations view their most vulnerable customers.
Industry experts note that even though Campbell’s, like most major food manufacturers, produces processed foods, the company has attempted to expand healthier product lines, reduce sodium and simplify ingredients in recent years.
Campbell’s has not provided a timeline for when the review will be completed. The incident underscores how quickly internal comments can escalate into corporate crises, especially in an era of viral recordings and instant social-media reaction.
