A Walmart soup kit sold in nearly 30 states has been recalled after routine testing found a potential risk of Listeria monocytogenes contamination. So far, the recall affects thousands of Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits distributed to Walmart stores nationwide. Food recalls involving listeria are taken particularly seriously because the bacteria can survive and grow even under refrigerated conditions.
While healthy individuals may experience only short-term symptoms, listeriosis can cause severe complications for vulnerable populations. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, stiff neck, confusion and loss of balance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In pregnant women, listeria infections have been linked to miscarriage and stillbirth.
As of Monday, no confirmed illnesses had been reported. Kettle Cuisine LLC, based in Savage, Maryland, has recalled 3,240 packages of its Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kit after company testing produced a presumptive positive result for Listeria monocytogenes. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first announced the recall, which covers 14-ounce soup kits sold exclusively at select Walmart locations, on August 12.
Affected products carry UPC number 194346474004 and a best-by/use-by date of August 22, 2026. According to the recall notice, no confirmed illnesses have been reported in connection with the product, and the company said it is continuing to investigate the potential contamination in coordination with federal regulators. "The product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems,” the recall notice said.
The FDA said that healthy individuals may suffer "short-term symptoms” like high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The recalled soup kits were distributed between June 30 and July 7 to select Walmart locations in the following states: Consumers who purchased the recalled soup kits should not eat the product. The FDA advises customers to either throw the soup away or return it to Walmart for a full refund.
Food safety experts also recommend thoroughly cleaning any surfaces, containers or utensils that may have come into contact with recalled products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Any customer experiencing symptoms consistent with listeriosis after consuming the product should contact a healthcare provider. Senior citizens can experience blood infections and nervous system infections,” Murray said.
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