Campbell’s Denies Using “3D-Printed Chicken” After Leaked Exec Remarks Spark Outrage
Campbell’s found itself at the center of a heated controversy after a leaked recording surfaced in which a senior executive allegedly claimed the company’s canned soups contained “3D-printed chicken.” The remarks — part of a lawsuit filed by a former employee — ignited public concern and prompted swift corporate response. The Verge+2Yahoo News+2
🔊 What Was Said — And Why It Matters
The leaked audio reportedly captures Martin Bally, identified as Campbell’s vice president of IT, during a meeting with a former employee. In the conversation, he referred to the company’s chicken as “bioengineered meat,” claimed it came from a “3D printer,” and disparaged the soups as food for “poor people.” WLT Report+2Yahoo News+2
These remarks, including derogatory references to certain employee groups, have no direct bearing on production — Bally’s role in IT does not involve food manufacturing. The Campbell’s Company+1 Nonetheless, the alleged statements stirred strong reaction from consumers and regulators. The Washington Post+2Business Insider+2
🏢 Campbell’s Response: “This Isn’t True”
Campbell’s was quick to push back. In an official statement, the company categorically denied using 3D-printed, lab-grown, or bioengineered chicken in any of its soups. They emphasized their chicken comes from longtime U.S. suppliers, meets strict USDA standards, and uses “No Antibiotics Ever” protocols. The Campbell’s Company+2The Campbell’s Company+2
The company also placed Bally on temporary leave while investigating the matter — underlining that his role in IT had nothing to do with how food is sourced or manufactured. The Verge+2TechSpot+2
⚠️ What Experts & Observers Say
- Independent fact-checkers and media outlets note there is no verifiable evidence supporting the claim that Campbell’s uses lab-grown or 3D-printed meat. Yahoo News+2TechSpot+2
- Under U.S. food safety law — specifically the regulations supervised by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) — mislabeling or undisclosed use of lab-grown meat would be illegal. cypher-news.com+1
- Analysts suggest the uproar reflects a broader public mistrust of food-industry practices — especially given growing interest in lab-grown and plant-based alternatives. cypher-news.com+1
✅ What Consumers Should Know Right Now
- According to Campbell’s official statement, their soups continue to use real, farm-sourced chicken, not lab-grown or 3D-printed meat. The Campbell’s Company+1
- If you’re concerned, check labels. Campbell’s lists its ingredients clearly, and their “Facts About Our Chicken” page reiterates their sourcing standards. The Campbell’s Company+1
- The controversy centers on internal remarks by an executive — not on documented changes in ingredients or manufacturing.
