Campbell's is facing scrutiny after a former employee alleged that a company executive made disparaging remarks about the company's products. The controversy centers around comments reportedly made by Martin Bally, a vice president of information technology, during a conversation with Robert Garza, a former cybersecurity analyst. Garza recorded the discussion, which he claims took place in November 2024 while they were discussing Garza's salary.

In the recording, Bally allegedly referred to Campbell's products as "highly processed food" intended for "poor people" and expressed disdain for the chicken used in the soups, suggesting it was "bioengineered meat." He reportedly stated, "I don't want to eat a [expletive] piece of chicken that came from a 3D printer." Garza claims that Bally also made derogatory comments about Indian workers and admitted to going to work under the influence of marijuana edibles.

Garza filed a lawsuit in Wayne County, Michigan, claiming retaliation and a hostile work environment after he reported Bally's comments to his manager, J.D. Aupperle. Garza alleges that instead of an investigation, he was terminated on January 30, just weeks after expressing his concerns. He is seeking emotional and economic damages from Campbell's, Bally, and Aupperle.

In response to the allegations, Campbell's has placed Bally on temporary administrative leave while it investigates the claims. A spokesperson for the company stated that if the comments were indeed made, they are "unacceptable" and do not reflect the company's values. The spokesperson emphasized, "We are proud of the food we make, the people who make it, and the high-quality ingredients we use."

Campbell's also defended its products, stating that the chicken used in its soups is "100% real" and sourced from USDA-approved suppliers. The company noted that it has not been able to verify the authenticity of the recording and has not received a copy of it.

Garza's attorney, Zachary Runyan, expressed that the situation has been difficult for Garza, who expected the company to appreciate his reporting of Bally's behavior. Instead, he was abruptly let go. Campbell's reiterated its commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace and stated that it does not tolerate inappropriate language or behavior. The investigation into the matter is ongoing, and the company is taking the allegations seriously.