Kettle Cuisine has issued an urgent recall of 24-ounce cups of minestrone soup sold at Whole Foods Market locations after an in-store inspection discovered a single cup containing shrimp instead of the labeled minestrone. The recall, issued on May 21, 2026, affects products distributed across 17 states and Washington D.C., posing a serious risk to consumers with shellfish allergies.
The Lynn, Massachusetts-based company issued the allergy alert after the mislabeling was identified during a routine inspection. No illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall. Customers who purchased the affected product are being urged to return it immediately for a full refund.
Main Developments in the Whole Foods Soup Recall
The recalled product is a 24-ounce cup of minestrone soup bearing the Whole Foods logo. The specific items affected carry lot code 1762181 and have a use-by date of May 27, 2026. Consumers should check any recently purchased minestrone soup from Whole Foods Market to verify whether their product matches these identifiers.
The recall was triggered after an in-store inspection revealed that at least one cup labeled as minestrone soup actually contained shrimp. For individuals with shellfish allergies, consuming undeclared shrimp can cause severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions. This makes it critical for anyone who may have purchased this product to verify the lot code and use-by date before consumption.
Kettle Cuisine, the manufacturer responsible for producing the soup, took swift action by issuing the recall the day after the discovery. The company has not provided details about how the mislabeling occurred.
What We Know So Far
The recall specifically involves 24-ounce cups of minestrone soup sold at Whole Foods Market stores. The affected products bear lot code 1762181 and a use-by date of May 27, 2026. The soup cups display the Whole Foods logo.
According to the allergy alert issued on May 21, 2026, an in-store inspection found a cup containing shrimp that was incorrectly labeled as minestrone soup. This poses a direct health risk to anyone with a shrimp or shellfish allergy.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recall. Customers who have already consumed the product and experienced any adverse reactions are encouraged to seek medical attention.
The products were distributed to Whole Foods Market locations in 17 states plus the District of Columbia before the issue was identified.
States Affected by the Recall
The recalled minestrone soup was distributed to Whole Foods Market stores in the following states:
Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Stores in Washington D.C. also received the affected product.
Customers who purchased minestrone soup from Whole Foods Market locations in any of these areas should immediately check the lot code and use-by date on their product. If the product matches the recall details, it should not be consumed.
What Happens Next
Customers who purchased the recalled minestrone soup can return the product to any Whole Foods Market location for a full refund. There is no need to have the receipt to process the return.
Individuals with shrimp or shellfish allergies should be especially vigilant about checking any recently purchased minestrone soup from Whole Foods Market. Even if the product appears to be minestrone soup, the recall indicates that at least one cup was found to contain shrimp despite the labeling.
Consumers who have questions about the recall are advised to contact Whole Foods Market directly or visit their local store for assistance.
Important Details for Consumers
The specific product identifiers for the recalled soup are as follows:
Product: Minestrone soup bearing the Whole Foods logo
Size: 24-ounce cups
Lot code: 1762181
Use-by date: May 27, 2026
Consumers should not rely solely on the product name or appearance when checking their purchases. The lot code and use-by date are the definitive identifiers for determining whether a specific cup of soup is part of this recall.
Shellfish allergies are among the most common food allergies in adults and can cause reactions ranging from mild symptoms to severe anaphylaxis. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to shrimp may include hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, nausea, and in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. Anyone experiencing these symptoms after consuming food should seek immediate medical attention.
How to Identify the Recalled Product
To determine whether your minestrone soup is part of this recall, locate the lot code and use-by date on the packaging. The lot code 1762181 should be printed on the cup, along with the use-by date of May 27, 2026.
If your product matches both of these identifiers and bears the Whole Foods logo, do not consume it. Return the product to your nearest Whole Foods Market store for a full refund.
Products with different lot codes or use-by dates are not affected by this recall.
Understanding the Allergen Risk
The primary concern with this recall is the presence of undeclared shrimp in a product labeled as minestrone soup. Minestrone is traditionally a vegetable-based Italian soup that does not contain shellfish. Consumers with shellfish allergies would have no reason to expect shrimp in this product based on its labeling.
Undeclared allergens pose significant health risks because consumers rely on accurate labeling to make safe food choices. The Food and Drug Administration considers the failure to declare major allergens, including shellfish, to be a serious food safety issue.
This recall serves as a reminder for consumers with food allergies to remain vigilant and to report any suspected mislabeling or adverse reactions to the appropriate authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Whole Foods soup is being recalled?
Kettle Cuisine has recalled 24-ounce cups of minestrone soup bearing the Whole Foods logo with lot code 1762181 and a use-by date of May 27, 2026.
What states are affected by the Whole Foods soup recall?
The recall affects products sold in Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington D.C.
Why was the minestrone soup recalled?
An in-store inspection found that a cup labeled as minestrone soup contained shrimp instead. This poses a risk to consumers with shellfish allergies because the shrimp was not declared on the label.
Can I get a refund for the recalled soup?
Yes. Customers can return the recalled minestrone soup to any Whole Foods Market location for a full refund.
Have any illnesses been reported from this recall?
No illnesses have been reported in connection with this recall as of the allergy alert issued on May 21, 2026.
Consumers who have purchased minestrone soup from Whole Foods Market in the affected states should check their products immediately. Those with matching lot codes and use-by dates should return the product for a refund and avoid consumption, particularly if they have a known shellfish allergy. The recall remains in effect for products with the specified identifiers.
