Lawsuit: Low-Sodium Campbell Tomato Soup Not So Low

Four New Jersey housewives who bought "low-sodium" tomato soup are suing Campbell Soup Co., claiming the labeling was deceptive.

The women say there is no substantial difference in the salt content of the more expensive low-sodium soup and the cheaper "regular" tomato soup.

A U.S. District Court judge is allowing the action to proceed.

Judge Jerome B. Simandle said it was a "plausible inference from the facts alleged that it was reasonable for Plaintiffs to expect that the soups they were receiving had 25%-30% less sodium than the regular tomato soup, when the soups in fact had approximately the same amount of sodium”.

Campbell has said the allegations are without merit and said it plans to fight the case in court.

Lester L. Levy, of Wolf Popper LLP, who represents the homemakers, said, “Consumers should not have to read the back of the soup can to be sure the information on the front is truthful.”

Although prices may vary, one shopping site listed regular Campbell's Tomato Soup at $1, the "low-sodium" version at $1.39.