Full Breakdown
Florida Family Sues Campbell Soup Co. and Walmart Over Alleged Worm-Infested SpaghettiOs
6/5/2026, 8:48:49 PM
Lawsuit Over Alleged Worm Contamination
Mary Hubbard and Gregory Lovell filed a federal complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, alleging that a can of Campbell’s SpaghettiOs purchased at a Walmart Supercenter in Okeechobee, Florida, contained live, moving worms. After partially eating the product on or about June 6, 2024, Hubbard recorded video showing “worm-like organisms moving within the food product” and sought damages of at least $75,000, citing severe health effects for herself and her minor daughter, identified as “P.L.”
Background & Context
In April 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a health alert for several canned soups, including four Campbell’s varieties, warning of possible extraneous material contamination such as wood and cilantro. The alert, however, did not reference worm contamination. The lawsuit emerges amid heightened public scrutiny of food-safety protocols for canned goods.
Key Parties
- Plaintiffs: Mary Hubbard (resident of Okeechobee County) and Gregory Lovell, legal guardians of minor “P.L.”
- Defendants: Campbell Soup Company, Campbell Soup Supply Co. LLC, Walmart Inc., and Wal-Mart Stores East LP.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 2024 | Hubbard purchases Campbell’s SpaghettiOs at Walmart Supercenter, South Parrott Avenue. |
| June 6, 2024 | Hubbard and her daughter consume portions; Hubbard discovers moving organisms and records video. |
| June 4, 2024 | Complaint filed in the Circuit Court of the 19th Judicial Circuit, Okeechobee County (state filing) and in federal court (Southern District of Florida). |
| April 2025 | USDA issues health alert for possible foreign-material contamination in Campbell’s soups. |
| May 2025 | Campbell’s and Walmart issue public statements denying merit of the claims. |
| July 2025 | U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismisses the federal complaint without prejudice for lack of diversity jurisdiction. |
Reported Health Impacts
The complaint lists multiple injuries: parasitic infection, gastroenteritis, sepsis, liver-related complications, iron-deficiency anemia requiring IV treatment, post-traumatic stress disorder for Hubbard, and abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a parasitic infection for the child.
Official Statements & Responses
Campbell Soup Co. asserted that the allegations lack merit and that the company will vigorously defend itself. Walmart emphasized that customer health and safety are top priorities and that the firm is reviewing the filing before responding to the court. Both companies declined to comment on the specific video evidence.
Criticism & Opposition
Plaintiffs argue that inadequate inspection, testing, and safety measures allowed a defective product to reach consumers. Defendants counter that the claims are unfounded and note that the USDA alert identified only wood and cilantro as contaminants, not worms. Judge Cannon’s dismissal focused on procedural jurisdiction rather than the merits, leaving the factual dispute unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The health and safety of our customers is a top priority. We are reviewing the complaint and will respond appropriately to the court.” — Walmart spokesperson
- “We do not comment on pending litigation, but we believe the claims to be without merit, and we intend to vigorously defend against these allegations,” — Campbell Soup Co. statement
- “District Judge Aileen Cannon on Thursday dismissed the complaint without prejudice after finding that the plaintiffs had not adequately established federal diversity jurisdiction.” — U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon
- “specifically wood, (and) an FDA-regulated ingredient, cilantro,” — USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
- “clearly depict worm-like organisms moving within the food product.” — Complaint filing
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The plaintiffs’ video evidence has not been independently verified, and no laboratory analysis confirming worm presence has been disclosed. The USDA alert cites different contaminants, creating a discrepancy between alleged worm contamination and official agency findings. The dismissal on jurisdictional grounds leaves the factual basis of the contamination claim unexamined.
What’s Next
The plaintiffs may pursue state-court remedies or appeal the jurisdictional dismissal. Both Campbell Soup Co. and Walmart are expected to continue reviewing the allegations while monitoring any further regulatory actions stemming from the USDA alert.
