- Date Issued: May 22, 2025
- Announced by: USDA’s FSIS on May 23, 2025
- Company: Albertsons Companies
- Product: Signature SELECT Chicken Soups
- Issue: Misbranding and undeclared allergen (wheat)
- Product Details: 24-oz cups, mismatched labels
- Health Risk: Contains wheat, not labeled—serious risk for allergic individuals
- Action: Check your fridge, do not consume, discard or return
Wanna know more about what happened? Keep on reading.
What Happened?
On May 22, 2025, the FSIS issued a public health alert for certain ready-to-eat chicken soup products under the Signature SELECT brand. The alert was prompted by a labeling mix-up discovered by a store employee who noticed a discrepancy between the soup’s lid and its side label.
The top of the cup read “Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice Soup”, while the side label incorrectly stated “Chicken Corn Chowder.” The concern? The Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice variety contains wheat, a common allergen, but the side label doesn’t disclose it. This oversight puts wheat-sensitive individuals at serious risk.
Although the product is no longer on shelves, FSIS is alerting consumers as the soup may still be sitting in home refrigerators.
Soup Stats At A Glance
Brand | Product | Size | UPC | Best By Date | Issue |
Signature SELECT | Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice / Chicken Corn Chowder | 24 oz | Not listed | June 24, 2025 | Misbranding, undeclared wheat allergen |
What Caused the Issue?
This is a case of misbranding—a packaging error where a product is labeled incorrectly, resulting in inaccurate or missing ingredient disclosures. In this case, the top of the soup cup was labeled “Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice” (which contains wheat), while the side label read “Chicken Corn Chowder” (which may not contain wheat or may have different allergens).
Why It’s Dangerous
Wheat is one of the top eight allergens in the United States and is required by law to be clearly identified on packaging. When misbranding occurs and allergens go undeclared, people with wheat allergies or conditions like celiac disease are put at high risk. Reactions can range from digestive discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
At-Risk Consumers
- Individuals with a diagnosed wheat allergy
- People with celiac disease (autoimmune response to gluten)
- Parents buying food for children with food sensitivities
- Immunocompromised individuals with dietary restrictions
Common Symptoms of Wheat Allergic Reactions
- Abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea
- Hives or skin irritation
- Sneezing or nasal congestion
- Asthma-like symptoms
- Severe cases: swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, anaphylaxis
10 Common Questions You Might Have
- Q: How do I know if I have the affected product?
A: Look for 24-oz Signature SELECT soup cups with a Creamy Chicken & Wild Rice lid but a Chicken Corn Chowder side label. Check the bottom for lot code 8225 5100 and best-by date June 24, 2025. - Q: What should I do if I have this product?
A: Do not consume it. Discard it or return it to your retailer for a refund. - Q: Is this a recall or just a warning?
A: It’s a public health alert, not a formal recall, because the product is no longer being sold in stores. - Q: What makes wheat so dangerous for some people?
A: Wheat allergies can trigger serious immune responses, including life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis. - Q: Can I eat the soup if I don’t have a wheat allergy?
A: While not immediately dangerous for those without wheat sensitivities, misbranded products undermine trust and food safety. - Q: Has anyone gotten sick from this soup?
A: No illnesses have been reported as of the time of the alert. - Q: Where was the soup distributed?
A: The soup was distributed nationwide to retail and distributor locations. - Q: Who should I contact with questions?
A: Albertsons Customer Service: 1-877-723-3929, or [email protected] for media inquiries. - Q: Why does the label mix-up matter so much?
A: Labels are a key food safety tool. An error can mean the difference between a safe meal and a medical emergency. - Q: How can I prevent this in my own supply chain?
A: Use traceability systems, allergen audits, and clear verification protocols for packaging accuracy.
Here’s What You Should Do
Check the Packaging: Look for any 24-oz. Signature SELECT soups labeled incorrectly (Creamy Chicken lid, Chicken Corn Chowder side).
Locate the Codes:
- Lot Code: 8225 5100 (printed on the bottom)
- Best By Date: June 24, 2025
- Establishment Number: “P-46381” inside the USDA mark of inspection
Don’t Eat It: Toss it or return it to the store.
Questions? Contact:
- Albertsons Customer Service: 1-877-723-3929 (M–F, 5 a.m.–9 p.m. PST)
- Albertsons Media: [email protected]
- USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline: 888-674-6854 or Report online
Behind the Brand
Albertsons Companies owns and operates popular supermarket banners across the U.S., including the Signature SELECT private label. While the company has not had a major allergen-related recall this year, this public health alert adds pressure on manufacturers and private label suppliers to improve label verification systems.
Other recent allergen-related alerts include:
- On May 24, 2025, Santa Monica Seafood issued a voluntary recall after discovering that its Atlantic Salmon Portions with Seafood Stuffing, sold under the Aldi brand, failed to declare soy on the packaging
- On May 21, 2025, Spanish Fork, Utah-based New Grains Gluten Free Bakery issued a recall after discovering a labeling error that left out the presence of major allergens in some of its baked goods.
- On May 13, 2025, NatureMills US Inc., a Texas-based food manufacturer, issued a voluntary recall of multiple food products due to the presence of undeclared allergens: wheat, milk, and sesame.
- On March 30, 2025, Fresh Creative Foods issued a voluntary recall for Trader Joe’s Hot Honey Mustard Dressing due to a labeling error that left out crucial allergen information.
- On March 25, 2025, The Bakery Group, based in Dallas, TX, issued a recall for two of its bakery products due to undeclared allergens: milk, soy, and Yellow FD&C #5.
“Accurate labeling goes beyond compliance—it plays a vital role in protecting consumers, especially those with food allergies. When allergens like soy aren’t properly disclosed, it poses serious risks and undermines consumer trust. Recalls like this are a powerful reminder that clear labeling and robust quality control aren’t optional—they’re fundamental to ensuring safety and maintaining brand credibility,” said Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86.
Ensuring Safe Eats
This USDA food recall is a timely reminder for co-packers, private labels, and manufacturers: allergen mislabeling isn’t just a compliance error—it’s a consumer health threat. As demand for ready-to-eat and bulk packaged foods grows, so does the importance of ingredient traceability and recall communication best practices.
Steps to prevent misbranding issues include:
- Barcode label verification technology
- Allergen-specific quality control audits
- Comprehensive employee training for packaging and compliance
If you spot this soup in your fridge, don’t play detective—dispose of it or return it to the store.
Want to ensure your ingredients meet the highest safety and compliance standards? Get in touch with our team—we’ll help you stay on top of quality, labeling, and bulk sourcing best practices.
