Lil’ Turtles Recalls Grandma Belle’s Tomato Basil Soup Over Undeclared Milk Allergen

BALTIC, Ohio (December 9, 2025) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that Lil’ Turtles is voluntarily recalling its Grandma Belle’s Tomato Basil Soup due to a critical labeling error that resulted in an undeclared milk allergen. According to the FDA, the product contains milk, which is not listed on the label, posing a serious health risk to consumers with milk allergies or severe sensitivity. Regulators said the issue was discovered during a routine inspection by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, prompting the company to issue the alert.

Grandma Belle’s Recall: Quick Summary

Lil’ Turtles has issued a voluntary recall for all lots of Grandma Belle’s Tomato Basil Soup sold in 17-ounce glass jars. The recall was initiated because the product contains milk, a major allergen, which was not declared on the packaging. This omission makes the soup dangerous for individuals with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. The affected products were distributed to specialty stores and markets across 14 states, including Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania, between September 2022 and December 2025. No illnesses have been reported to date, but consumers are urged to stop using the product immediately.

What Happened?

The FDA said Lil’ Turtles initiated the recall after discovering that the milk-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk. The company told regulators it became aware of the issue during a routine inspection conducted by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. The recall covers all jars sold over a three-year period, from September 23, 2022, through December 3, 2025.

In its recall alert, the FDA warned that “people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product”. The agency confirmed that while no illnesses have been reported, the duration of the distribution suggests the product may still be in consumer pantries.

Affected Products

Brand	Product	Size	UPC	Best By Date	Issue	Affected States
Grandma Belle’s	Tomato Basil Soup	17 oz Glass Jar	None	None	Undeclared Milk	OH, PA, NY, KY, MN, UT, OK, KS, MS, IL, IN, MO, WI, IA

What Caused the Issue?

According to the FDA notice, the recall was caused by misbranding where the milk allergen was omitted from the finished product label. Milk is one of the nine major food allergens identified by federal law, requiring strict labeling to protect sensitive consumers.

Company officials said in the statement that the issue was identified by state inspectors. The primary health risk associated with this error is anaphylaxis for those with milk allergies, as well as digestive distress for those with lactose intolerance. The agency confirmed that no adverse events have been linked to the soup so far.

Questions You Might Have

1. What specific product is being recalled?All lots of Grandma Belle’s Tomato Basil Soup sold in 17 oz glass jars.
2. Why is the soup being recalled?It contains milk that is not declared on the ingredient label, posing a risk to allergic consumers.
3. Are there specific Best By dates to look for?No, the recall notice states that no Best By dates or UPCs were included; it affects all jars sold within the timeframe.
4. Where was the soup sold?It was sold at various retail stores in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Kentucky, Minnesota, Utah, Oklahoma, Kansas, Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Iowa.
5. What should I do if I am allergic to milk?Do not eat the soup. You should discard it or contact Lil’ Turtles for a replacement.
6. Is the product safe if I don’t have a milk allergy?Yes, if you do not have a milk allergy or sensitivity, the soup is safe to consume.
7. How was the error discovered?The Ohio Department of Agriculture found the discrepancy during a routine inspection.
8. Have anyone gotten sick from this?No illnesses or allergic reactions have been reported to date.
9. Who can I contact for a refund or replacement?You can contact Josh Coblentz at Lil’ Turtles by calling 330-897-6400 for a replacement pack.
10. When was the product available for purchase?The affected jars were sold between September 23, 2022, and December 3, 2025.

Here’s What You Should Do

• Check your pantry: Look for 17 oz glass jars of Grandma Belle’s Tomato Basil Soup.
• Identify the purchase date: If you bought the soup between September 2022 and December 2025, it is included in this recall.
• Dispose if allergic: If you or a family member has a milk allergy, do not consume the product.
• Contact the manufacturer: Call Lil’ Turtles at 330-897-6400 to arrange for a replacement.

Behind the Brand

Lil’ Turtles is a family-owned and operated manufacturer based in Baltic, Ohio. Founded in 2012 by Matthew Miller, the company is primarily known for its high-quality chocolate and specialty sweets, but it also produces a range of canned goods and specialty food items like the recalled soup. The business emphasizes family involvement and traditional recipes.

Other Relevant Recalls

In a similar incident involving bakery items, Blue Oven Bakery recalled its English Muffins after determining they contained undeclared milk. The recall affected 13.04-ounce packages sold fresh at specific retailers across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, such as Harvest Market and European Café. This labeling oversight mirrors the Lil’ Turtles error, where a common allergen was omitted from the packaging of a specialty product, creating a hidden hazard for allergic consumers.

Related Food Safety Alert: Salmonella Outbreak in California (December 2025) In a significant development regarding foodborne illness outbreaks, Glaum Egg Ranch has issued a recall for its cage-free eggs following confirmed reports of Salmonella infections. Unlike the labeling error affecting Lil’ Turtles, this incident involves a bacterial pathogen that has already resulted in over 60 reported illnesses across California. The affected products were distributed throughout the Bay Area and surrounding counties. For detailed information on the specific plant codes and dates involved in this active outbreak, please read our latest report: Glaum Egg Ranch Recalls Cage-Free Eggs Linked to Salmonella Outbreak.

Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, said that while the Lil’ Turtles recall highlights a single labeling error, it also underscores a broader truth in the food industry:

“Food safety isn’t just about compliance; it’s about trust. Every recall reminds us how vital it is to maintain transparency, rigorous checks, and supplier accountability.”

Ensuring Safe Eats

This recall serves as a critical reminder of the importance of accurate labeling in the specialty food sector. Even small, family-run operations must maintain rigorous oversight of their ingredient declarations to ensure consumer safety. For shoppers, it highlights the need to remain vigilant and responsive to recall alerts, especially when dealing with severe allergies.

At Source86, we help food brands manage ingredient sourcing, FSQA oversight, and private label production with transparency and precision, ensuring that when recalls happen, supply chains are prepared to respond quickly. Contact Us!