Jars Of Rao's Soup Recalled For Containing The Wrong Food And An Allergen

In the days of constant online information, it may seem that food recalls are growing in number – but that's not necessarily the case. It could just mean that consumers have more, and faster, access to important safety concerns regarding consumable products. What seems relatively inconsequential to one person may be life-threatening to another, especially when common food allergens are part of the recall equation, as with a new alert regarding Rao's soup.

Long known for its pasta and pasta sauces, Rao's branched out into the realm of jarred soups in 2019 (via a press release). Back then the brand released six different varieties, including Italian Wedding, Tomato Basil, and Chicken Noodle. Two other soups on that list were highlighted for very different reasons in a Rao's soup notice posted by the FDA. This latest information became available after Sovos Brands Intermediate, Inc. announced the recalled jars of soup on January 27.

The recall involves certain jars mislabeled as Chicken & Gnocchi. As noted by the Miami Herald, that affects consumers in 32 U.S. states, covering a wide swath of the country. Walmart alone provided a list identifying more than 4,000 stores potentially selling the product. The issue in this case is dual-pronged, covering mislabeling and related allergen concerns.

Nowadays, Rao's offers at least 16 soups carrying the moniker of "Rao's Made for Home," per the company's product pages. It's the soup labeled "Chicken & Gnocchi Made for Home Slow Simmered Soup" that's taking the heat in the current recall, (via the FDA). The jars went out to retailers between December 8, 2022, and January 27, 2023.

While the 16-ounce jars bear the label of Rao's Chicken & Gnocchi variety, they actually contain Vegetable Minestrone soup. They also potentially contain undeclared egg. Ingestion can lead to rashes, vomiting, respiratory trouble, or even death for anyone with allergies or severe sensitivity to eggs. Adults are less likely to have this issue than minors. Approximately 2% of children could have an egg allergy, per the American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. But research suggests that it goes away in roughly 70% of young sufferers before adulthood.

As noted by the Miami Herald, the color distinctions help identify the mislabeling: the actual Rao's Chicken & Gnocchi soup carries a pale greenish-white hue, while the Vegetable Minestrone is dark red. A best-by date of November 15 2024 should appear at the top of the jar along with the code date 2320 MDV 046030Z009. Anyone who purchased the problem soup should return it to the retailer for a full refund. Concerned customers can call the company at 1-800-466-3623, Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.