A mom says she saw worms in her SpaghettiOs. Then a lawsuit was filed
Anthony ThompsonA Florida woman has filed a federal lawsuit against The Campbell's Company and Walmart, alleging she and her child became seriously ill after eating canned SpaghettiOs she says were contaminated with worms or parasite-like organisms.
According to court filings, Mary Hubbard alleges the product was unsafe and “unfit for human consumption” when it was sold and consumed in June 2024 at her home in Okeechobee County, Florida. The complaint says she purchased the canned pasta at a Walmart store before preparing it for herself and her daughter.
The filing states that after they began eating the meal, Hubbard observed what appeared to be worm-like organisms moving within the food. It also alleges that she recorded video footage showing the contamination inside the product. The lawsuit seeks at least $75,000 in damages.
The defendants include The Campbell's Company (formerly Campbell Soup Company) and Walmart, Inc., along with related corporate subsidiaries named in the complaint. Campbell's told USA TODAY on June 3 that the company does not comment on pending litigation, but believes the claims are "without merit."
"We intend to vigorously defend against these allegations," Campbell's statement reads.
“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 Kelly Hellbusch said in a statement.
USA TODAY reached out to the plaintiffs’ attorney for additional comment.
Lawsuit details allegations of illness and contamination
The complaint claims both Hubbard and her child suffered parasitic infections after consuming the meal. The filing alleges Hubbard experienced gastrointestinal illness, sepsis, and other long-term complications, while the child reported nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distress.
The complaint argues the product was contaminated during manufacturing, distribution, or retail handling and was therefore “adulterated” under federal food safety standards.
The lawsuit accuses the companies of failing to properly inspect, test, and maintain quality control systems that would have prevented contaminated products from reaching consumers. It further alleges that the defendants placed a dangerous food product into the marketplace and failed to warn consumers of potential risks.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and alleged long-term physical and psychological harm.
Other food-related lawsuits
The case comes amid a wave of recent consumer food and product liability litigation involving allegations of inadequate warnings and alleged safety failures.
In a February 2026 case, a California jury awarded $25 million to a man who claimed long-term use of butter-flavored cooking spray made by Conagra Brands caused severe and permanent lung damage and that the company failed to adequately warn consumers about inhalation risks associated with chemicals used in the product.
In another case, a federal lawsuit filed in April 2026 in Texas also targeted an energy drink company over allegations that inadequate warning labels contributed to a teenager’s October 2025 death, raising broader questions about marketing and caffeine safety in products aimed at younger consumers.
More recently, a woman sued Outback Steakhouse in June 2026 after allegedly slipping and falling on spilled mashed potatoes in Virginia, raising broader claims of negligence and premises safety in food-service environments.
This story was updated to add new information.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at [email protected] or on X @athompsonUSAT