Campbell’s Soup Scandal: VP Fired Over 3D-Printed Meat Claims in Leaked Audio

Campbell Soup Company fired a top executive in late November 2025. This move followed a viral public relations crisis. The crisis was sparked by a leaked audio recording.

The recording featured the company’s IT vice president. He made shocking claims about the company’s chicken soup. According to reporting from The Verge, he said the meat was “3D-printed.”

Company Denies Bioengineered Ingredients

Campbell’s responded swiftly to the controversy. The company issued a strong public statement on its website. It called the allegations “absurd” and “inaccurate.”

The statement firmly denied using lab-grown or 3D-printed meat. It assured customers its chicken comes from reputable U.S. suppliers. These suppliers must meet all USDA standards, the company said.

By November 26, the company confirmed the voice was the VP’s. They announced his immediate termination. The dismissal was effective from November 25.

Audio Emerges from Employee Lawsuit

The leaked audio did not surface randomly. It was part of a lawsuit filed by a former employee. That employee had secretly recorded the conversation.

In the recording, the executive made several controversial remarks. Beyond the 3D-printing claim, he called the food “bioengineered.” He also made racially insensitive comments, according to court documents.

The former employee’s lawsuit raised serious questions. It highlighted potential workplace culture issues at the company. It also showed how internal disputes can spill into public view.

Wider Impact on Food Industry Trust

This scandal touches a nerve for many consumers. People are increasingly skeptical of processed foods. They demand more transparency from major brands.

The idea of 3D-printed meat is not pure science fiction. Other companies, like KFC, have researched lab-grown chicken. However, this technology is not mainstream in canned soups.

For Campbell’s, the damage was about perception. The company’s brand is built on comfort and tradition. Suggesting its iconic soup contains futuristic meat shattered that image instantly.

The swift firing and public denial show how seriously Campbell’s takes this 3D-printed meat scandal. The company is fighting to rebuild consumer trust in an era of food tech anxiety.

Info at your fingertips

Did Campbell’s really use 3D-printed meat?

No. Campbell’s has publicly and firmly denied this claim. The company states its chicken comes from standard, USDA-approved suppliers and not from laboratories or printers.

What is 3D-printed meat?

It is a form of lab-grown or cultured meat. Scientists use animal cells to create edible products layer-by-layer with a specialized printer. It is an emerging technology but not yet common.

Why was the executive fired?

Campbell’s fired IT VP Martin Bally after confirming he was the voice on the leaked recording. The company cited his “inaccurate” and “absurd” comments about their products as the reason for his termination.

Where did the audio come from?

The audio was recorded by a former employee who is suing the company. This recording was submitted as part of the legal proceedings before it was leaked to the public.

Has this hurt Campbell’s reputation?

While the long-term impact is unclear, the incident caused an immediate public relations crisis. It forced the company to publicly defend its ingredient sourcing and integrity.

Are other companies using this technology?

Some food tech startups and major chains like KFC have explored lab-grown meat. However, it is not a standard practice in the mainstream canned soup industry at this time.