Soup sold at Whole Foods stores across more than a dozen states has been urgently recalled because it may contain undeclared shrimp. Massachusetts-based Kettle Cuisine is voluntarily recalling 24oz cups of its Whole Foods Market Kitchen Minestrone Soup due to the potential presence of shrimp, which is not listed on the ingredient label.
Recall Details
The recalled soup cups were distributed to Whole Foods locations in Alabama, Connecticut, Washington DC, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Additionally, the products were available for purchase online through Whole Foods and Amazon.
The affected soups are packaged in 24-ounce, clear plastic cups bearing a Lot Code of 1762181 and a 'use by' date of May 27, 2026, printed on the top rim. The UPC code 099482502065 is located on the back label. No other soups or use-by codes are included in this recall.
Health Risks
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that the recall was initiated after it was discovered in-store that a single cup of soup contained the incorrect product, including shrimp. For individuals with shellfish allergies, consuming shrimp can trigger severe, potentially life-threatening reactions. Approximately 7 to 8 million Americans, or about two percent of the population, have a shellfish allergy, which encompasses shrimp, crab, lobster, crawfish, oysters, clams, scallops, and mussels.
Exposure to shrimp can cause anaphylaxis, an extreme immune system response characterized by hives, swelling, wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, anaphylactic shock may occur, leading to a dangerous drop in blood pressure and oxygen deprivation to vital organs such as the brain and heart. Swelling of the throat, tongue, and voice box can obstruct airflow, while constriction of bronchial tubes can further impede breathing, potentially resulting in death.
Consumer Guidance
The FDA has not yet classified the recall, but it could be deemed Class I, indicating a reasonable probability that exposure to the product could cause serious adverse health consequences or death. To date, no illnesses related to the soup have been reported.
Consumers who purchased the recalled soup are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For questions, Whole Foods can be contacted at 617-409-1100, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Previous Recalls
This recall follows a recent incident where Fly by Jing Creamy Sesame Noodles were pulled from Whole Foods shelves due to the potential presence of undeclared peanuts. It remains unclear if any illnesses resulted from that recall.
