Whole Foods Market has issued a recall for its Kitchen Minestrone Soup across 17 states after discovering that a single cup contained undeclared shrimp, posing a serious health risk to customers with shellfish allergies.
Recall Details
The recall was initiated by Kettle Cuisine, the manufacturer of the soup, after an in-store inspection revealed that a cup of minestrone soup actually contained shrimp, a crustacean shellfish allergen. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that individuals with allergies to crustacean shellfish face a risk of severe or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the product.
The affected soup comes in 24-ounce clear plastic containers and was sold both in stores and online through Whole Foods and Amazon websites. The recalled products have the Lot Code 1762181 and a Use By Date of May 27, 2026, printed on the rim of the cup, along with the UPC code 099482502065 on the back label.
Affected States
The recall covers products distributed in Alabama, Connecticut, Washington D.C., Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Customers who have purchased the soup with the specified codes are advised to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. So far, no illnesses have been reported, and the FDA confirmed that no other soups or use-by codes are involved in this recall.
Health Risks
According to the Mayo Clinic, people with shrimp allergies may experience hives, itchy skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, and stomach upset after accidental consumption. Severe reactions can be life-threatening, and individuals are urged to seek immediate medical attention if they develop such symptoms.
Recent Recalls
This minestrone soup recall follows another recall earlier this month involving noodle packages sold at Whole Foods nationwide. Fly By Jing recalled its Creamy Sesame Noodles due to potential cross-contact with peanuts, which could cause life-threatening reactions in those with peanut allergies. Both crustacean shellfish and peanut allergies are among the top nine major food allergens in the U.S., affecting approximately 2% and 1.8% of the population, respectively.
The Independent has contacted Kettle Cuisine for further comment.
