The Deadly Soup Recall That Ended An Old

History

The Deadly Soup Recall That Ended An Old-School Brand By Laura Christine Allan Nov. 23, 2025 7:00 am EST

Recalls are an unfortunate reality for the American food industry. From a tuna recall that sickened over 400 diners to lead and bacteria contaminants in baby food that made mothers fear for their infants, tainted foodstuffs have shaped U.S. food safety laws for more than a century. One such incident, which occurred in the 1970s, came in a form that many would consider safe — canned soup.

The Newark, New Jersey-based Bon Vivant Soup Company made a variety of canned soups under a number of different brand names. One of their products was vichyssoise, a soup made with leeks and potatoes that was often served cold. The soup was quite popular until July 2, 1971, when t