FDA announces emergency recall of food allergy and asbestos toys
The FDA and CPSC have issued a nationwide recall of Birch Benders pancake mix, Whole Foods Minestrone Soup, and Orb Funky Squishy toys due to undeclared allergens and possible asbestos contamination.
Fox – Seattle
A Florida woman has filed a federal lawsuit against Campbell’s Company and Walmart, alleging that she and her child became seriously ill after eating canned spaghetti that she said was contaminated with insects and parasites.
Mary Hubbard claims the product was unsafe and “unfit for human consumption” when it was sold and consumed at her home in Okeechobee County, Florida, in June 2024, according to court filings. According to the complaint, she bought canned pasta at a Walmart store before preparing pasta for herself and her daughter.
After they began eating the food, Hubbard observed insect-like organisms moving within the food, the filing said. The company also claims to have recorded video footage showing contamination inside the product. The lawsuit seeks at least $75,000 in damages.
Defendants include The Campbell’s Company (formerly Campbell Soup Company) and Walmart Inc., as well as affiliated subsidiaries named in the complaint. Campbell’s told USA TODAY on June 3 that the company does not comment on pending litigation, but believes the allegations are “unfounded.”
“We intend to vigorously defend against these allegations,” Campbell’s statement said.
“The health and safety of our customers is our top priority. We are reviewing the complaint and will respond appropriately in court,” Walmart spokeswoman Kelly Helbusch said in a statement.
USA TODAY has reached out to the plaintiffs’ attorneys for additional comment.
Lawsuit details disease and contamination claims
The lawsuit alleges that Hubbard and her child contracted parasitic infections after consuming the food. The suit alleges that Hubbard experienced gastrointestinal illness, sepsis and other long-term complications, and that the child complained of nausea, vomiting and abdominal discomfort.
The complaint alleges that the product was contaminated during manufacturing, distribution, and retail handling and was therefore “adulterated” under federal food safety standards.
The lawsuit accuses the companies of failing to maintain proper inspection, testing and quality control systems, which prevented contaminated products from reaching consumers. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that the defendants placed dangerous food products on the market and failed to warn consumers about the potential risks.
The plaintiffs seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and long-term physical and psychological damages.
Other food-related lawsuits
The lawsuit comes amid a recent wave of consumer food and product liability lawsuits involving allegations of inadequate warnings and safety defects.
In a February 2026 lawsuit, a California jury awarded a $25 million verdict to a man who claimed that long-term use of Conagra Brands’ butter-flavored cooking spray caused severe and permanent lung damage and that the company failed to adequately warn consumers about the inhalation risks associated with the chemicals used in the product.
In a separate lawsuit, a federal lawsuit filed in April 2026 in Texas also targets energy drink companies for allegedly contributing to the death of a teenager in October 2025 with inadequate warning labels, raising broader questions about the marketing of products to young consumers and the safety of caffeine.
Most recently, a woman in Virginia sued Outback Steakhouse in June 2026 after she slipped and fell on spilled mashed potatoes, raising broader allegations of negligence and facility safety in a food service environment.
This story has been updated to add new information.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com or X @athompsonUSAT.
