Florida Investigates Campbell’s Over Lab-Grown Meat Claims

Florida Investigates Campbell’s Over Lab-Grown Meat Claims

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has launched an official investigation into Campbell’s Soup Company following explosive allegations that the company uses lab-grown meat in its products. The probe comes after a leaked audio recording featured a company executive making controversial claims about “bioengineered” chicken.

The Controversial Recording

The investigation was triggered by a secretly recorded conversation allegedly featuring Campbell’s Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer Martin Bally. In the audio, a speaker identified as Bally states: “Bioengineered meat — I don’t wanna eat a piece of chicken that came from a 3D printer.”

The recording was released by former security analyst Robert Garza, who claims he was fired after reporting Bally’s comments to management. Garza provided the audio to Detroit’s Local 4 News, which aired selected portions.

Campbell’s Strong Denial

Campbell’s has vehemently denied using lab-grown meat in its products. A company spokesperson stated: “The chicken meat used in our soups comes from long-trusted, USDA-approved US suppliers and meets our high quality standards. All of our soups are made with No Antibiotics Ever chicken meat.”

The company called the recorded comments “not only inaccurate – they are patently absurd” and emphasized that Bally, as an IT professional, has “nothing to do with how we make our food.” Bally has been placed on temporary leave pending an internal investigation.

Florida’s Stance on Lab-Grown Meat

Florida banned lab-grown meat in 2024 to protect traditional agriculture and family farms. Attorney General Uthmeier announced on X that the state’s Consumer Protection division will “demand answers from Campbell’s” about the allegations.

Bioengineered meat, also called cultured or cell-based meat, is produced by growing animal cells in controlled environments rather than raising livestock. While approved for US consumption since 2022, Florida maintains strict prohibitions against it.

Lawsuit Alleges Toxic Workplace

Robert Garza’s lawsuit claims he was terminated in January 2025 in retaliation for reporting Bally’s conduct. The legal filing describes an hour-long rant where Bally allegedly made racist comments about Indian employees and disparaged both customers and company products.

Garza told Local News 4: “They have a motto: ‘We treat you like family here at Campbell’s.’ That’s not the case.” His attorney noted Garza had never faced disciplinary action prior to his termination.

The lawsuit seeks damages for emotional distress, economic harm, and alleges Campbell’s fostered a racially toxic workplace environment.