Walmart Inc. controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2026
Frozen berries sold at Walmart and Trader Joe's recalled
Recall announced
Frozen berries sold at Walmart and Trader Joe's have been recalled, according to a report by KPLC 7 News. The article headline does not name the recalling company or specify the recall date or hazard. The report does not provide further details about the products involved or the reason for the recall.
Source excerpt
Frozen berries sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s recalled
2026
Walmart CEO says company will not use AI or customer data to set personalized prices
Company response
Walmart's chief executive publicly stated that the company will not use AI or customer data to set personalized prices. The statement addressed the practice of setting individualized prices based on artificial intelligence and customer data, and indicated that Walmart would not adopt it. The remarks were made by the company's chief executive and reported in a news item dated September 26, 2026.
Company response
Clarification — Walmart
Walmart CEO says company will not use AI, customer data to set personalized prices
Source excerpt
Walmart CEO says company will not use AI, customer data to set personalized prices
2026
Botticelli Foods recalls bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter over Salmonella risk
Recall announced
Botticelli Foods initiated a voluntary recall of one lot of bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter (6.7 oz, Lot LB028ACP04) after the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services detected Salmonella in three jars tested at a Walmart store. The product was manufactured by Gustibus Alimentari in Italy, imported by Botticelli Foods, and distributed exclusively by Walmart in 19 states; 16,200 jars were affected. No illnesses had been reported as of the recall announcement.
Stated objective. to ensure consumer safety
Company response
Recall — Botticelli Foods
We have initiated a voluntary recall of one specific lot of bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter, NET WT 6.7oz (190g), Lot LB028ACP04
Investigation — Botticelli Foods
We are working with Gustibus and with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to conduct an investigation and to prevent any future issues.
Refund or compensation — Walmart
Consumers are being advised not to eat the product and instead return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Source excerpt
The recall affects 16,200 jars of Pistachio Nut Butter distributed by Botticelli Foods LLC and sold at Walmart stores in 19 states.
Botticelli Foods initiated the voluntary recall on August 3 after Walmart was notified that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services had tested three jars of the product at a store and detected Salmonella.
We have initiated a voluntary recall of one specific lot of bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter, NET WT 6.7oz (190g), Lot LB028ACP04
2026
Kettle Cuisine recalls Marketside tomato soup kits sold at Walmart over Listeria risk
Recall announced
Kettle Cuisine, a Maryland-based manufacturer, recalled 3,240 Marketside tomato soup kits sold exclusively at Walmart stores in 29 states between June 30 and July 7 after the product tested positive for Listeria, according to an FDA recall notice. No confirmed illnesses were reported, and the FDA advised consumers to dispose of the kits or return them to Walmart for a refund.
Kettle Cuisine, a Maryland-based manufacturer, is recalling 3,240 Marketside tomato soup kits sold exclusively at Walmart stores in 29 states between June 30 and July 7 after the product tested positive for Listeria, according to an FDA recall notice. No confirmed illnesses have been reported, and the FDA advised consumers to dispose of the kits or return them to Walmart for a refund.
Company response
Recall — Kettle Cuisine
A Maryland-based manufacturer is recalling 3,240 tomato soup kits sold at some Walmart stores due to concerns they may be contaminated with Listeria.
Refund or compensation — FDA
Consumers should dispose of the soup kit or return it to the Walmart where they bought it for a refund, the FDA said.
Source excerpt
The soup kits were distributed exclusively to Walmart locations in 29 states between June 30 and July 7, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a recall issued on Wednesday.notice
Brand: Marketside
A Maryland-based manufacturer is recalling 3,240 tomato soup kits sold at some Walmart stores due to concerns they may be contaminated with Listeria.
2026
Walmart recalls tomato soup products in several states over possible listeria contamination
Recall announced
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Walmart stores in several states, including Arkansas, are recalling a tomato soup due to potential listeria contamination. The recall affects certain tomato soup products. The event was reported on August 15, 2026.
Company response
Recall — Walmart
2026
Jalapeño recall expands to downstream products
Recall announced
Following a recall by Coast Citrus Distributors of fresh jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico, downstream recalls are being conducted for recalled jalapeños and products containing them. Whole Foods Market recalled salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo and prepared products containing jalapeños sold online and in stores across multiple states, and Taylor Fresh Foods recalled multiple products containing recalled jalapeños distributed to retail distribution centers in numerous states. Stores that received recalled products include Hannaford, Kroger, Stop and Shop, Target, Trader Joe's, Walmart, and Whole Foods. Taylor Fresh Foods is no longer sourcing products from this farmer and will fill orders from alternative suppliers. FSIS also issued a public health alert for meat and poultry products containing FDA-regulated jalapeños that may be contaminated with Salmonella.
Company response
Recall — Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market recall (8/12)
Recall — Taylor Fresh Foods
Taylor Fresh Foods recall (8/9)
Remediation — Taylor Fresh Foods
Source excerpt
As a result of the recall by Coast Citrus Distributors, downstream recalls are being conducted for recalled jalapeños and products containing recalled jalapeños.
2026
Taylor Fresh Foods recalls 20 prepared foods containing jalapeños over Salmonella risk
Recall announced
Taylor Fresh Foods recalled 20 prepared food products containing jalapeños because of possible Salmonella contamination, including 16 products distributed to Texas retailers such as Kroger, Target, Trader Joe's, Walmart and Whole Foods. The recall followed a supplier recall by Coast Citrus Distributors of fresh jalapeños linked to a multistate Salmonella Javiana outbreak, and Taylor Fresh Foods said it stopped sourcing peppers from the implicated grower in Sinaloa, Mexico.
Company response
Recall — Taylor Farms
這家總部位於加州的食品供應商9日表示，在接獲分銷商Coast Citrus通知、得知該公司正在召回新鮮墨西哥辣椒後，決定自願召包括莎莎醬（salsas）及牛油果醬（guacamole）在內的產品。
Remediation — Taylor Farms
公司在聲明中表示，公司已停止向墨西哥錫那羅亞州（Sinaloa）一名被認定為此次沙門氏菌疫情潛在源頭的農戶採購產品。
Source excerpt
The product distributed at Target is a 20-ounce Taylor Farms Taco Dip with UPC 030223073581 and a “Best If Used By” date of Aug. 12, 2026.
According to a Monday news release from Taylor Farms, Target and Walmart stores in Florida are recalling several products linked to the outbreak involving fresh jalapeños supplied by Coast Citrus Distributors.
Products distributed at Walmart include Hot or Spicy Pico de Gallo with UPC 681131276351 and Mild Pico de Gallo with UPC 681131276344.
2026
FTC inquiry into personalized pricing and compensation involving Walmart
Investigation
The Federal Trade Commission launched an inquiry into whether several companies, including Walmart, use consumers' or workers' personal data to set prices or compensation. The inquiry also covers Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue, Lyft, Uber, DoorDash, Instacart and Target. As part of the inquiry, the FTC ordered the companies to provide information. The inquiry concerns the use of personal data in pricing and compensation decisions.
The FTC launched an inquiry into whether Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue, Lyft, Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, Target and Walmart use consumers’ or workers’ personal data to set prices or compensation, and ordered the companies to provide information.
Stated objective. Assess whether prices or worker compensation vary based on personal data.
Company response
Denial — Instacart
does not and will not engage in surveillance pricing.
Denial — JetBlue
does not use personal information or web browsing history to set individual pricing.
Denial — Delta Air Lines
Delta also denied using personal data to individually price fares
Source excerpt
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said it launched an inquiry into nine companies, ordering them to provide information about how they use consumers' and workers' personal data to set prices and compensation.
Federal regulators announced Wednesday that they are examining whether major airlines, ride-hailing companies, delivery services and retailers are using personal data to charge different customers different prices for the same products and services or determine how much gig workers are paid.
The orders were sent to Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue, Lyft, Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, Target and Walmart, according to the FTC.
2022
FTC money-transfer fraud lawsuit
The FTC alleged that Walmart's money-transfer services were insufficiently secured and that the company failed to train employees and warn customers adequately, enabling scammers to obtain money through schemes including impersonation and grandparent fraud. The matter was filed as a lawsuit and the allegations should be distinguished from a final judgment.
2022
Lawsuit alleges racial profiling at Walmart store
Lawsuit filed
David Conners, represented by attorney Terance Madden, filed a lawsuit against Walmart alleging that Walmart employees racially profiled him and that he was handcuffed and taken to a back room after being mistaken for a shoplifter. Walmart said it takes the allegations seriously and does not tolerate discrimination.
Company response
Clarification — Walmart
Randy Hargrove, a spokesman for Walmart, told Newsweek that they are taking the allegations seriously and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.
Clarification — Walmart
We don't tolerate discrimination of any kind and take allegations like this seriously. We are not going to comment further on this pending litigation.
Source excerpt
Randy Hargrove, a spokesman for Walmart, told Newsweek that they are taking the allegations seriously and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.
Now, Madden has filed a lawsuit against Walmart on behalf of Conners.
Conners and his attorney Terance Madden said they believe he was racially profiled by the Walmart employees.
2022
Walmart driver files class-action lawsuit over uniform pants
Lawsuit filed
Walmart driver Diana Webb filed a class-action lawsuit alleging that Walmart's required uniform pants discriminate against female drivers. Walmart denied the allegation and said it was committed to offering clothing options and would respond in court as appropriate.
Company response
Denial — Walmart
Walmart denies the allegation.
Clarification — Walmart
No associate, male or female, is required to wear company provided pants.
Source excerpt
A female delivery driver for Walmart has filed a class-action lawsuit against the retail giant over the style of pants that are issued as part of the required uniform.
The lawsuit states that the pants amount to “blatant sex discrimination by Walmart against its female drivers.”
Walmart denies the allegation.
2022
Ground beef recalled over E. coli contamination
Recall announced
The USDA announced a recall of about 28,356 pounds of ground beef after testing showed E. coli O157:H7 contamination. Products included Kroger-branded beef and products sold at Walmart and other retailers; the affected beef had been shipped to seven U.S. states.
Source excerpt
Interstate Meat Dist. Inc. of Clackamas, OR, initiated the recall of approximately 28,356 pounds of ground beef products because testing showed positive results for contamination with E. coli O157:H7.
The USDA has announced the recall of nearly 30,000 pounds of ground beef, including Kroger-branded ground beef sold at Fred Meyer and QFC supermarkets, as well as products sold at Albertsons, Walmart, and WinCo grocery stores.
The ground been was shipped to retail locations in Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
2022
Interstate Meat Dist. recalls ground beef sold under multiple brands
Recall announced
Interstate Meat Dist. is recalling about 28,356 pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The products were sold under WinCo, Wal-Mart, Kroger and Albertsons brands; FSIS said test results from a sample were actionable.
Source excerpt
Clackamas, Oregon -based Interstate Meat Dist. Inc. is recalling around 28,356 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service or FSIS announced.
FSIS conducted an assessment of the third-party laboratory's accreditation and methodologies and determined the results were actionable.
The products were sold under the brands of WinCo, Wal-Mart, Kroger, and Albertsons.
2021
Family sues Walmart over firearm sale to employee who died by suicide
Lawsuit filed
The family of Walmart employee Jacob Mace sued the store over its sale of a shotgun to him. The suit alleges that the store failed to ask proper screening questions and that coworkers and a manager knew he was contemplating suicide. The event was reported on April 30, 2021.
Source excerpt
But most damning of all, the suit says co-workers knew Mace was contemplating suicide.
In fact, Mace bought the gun while on his break, and while he cleared the background check, his family says the store failed to ask proper screening questions.
The family of a 23-year-old man who bought a shotgun at Walmart and killed himself with it hours later is suing the store over that sale.
2021
Walmart settles San Luis Obispo County price-gouging case
Settlement
Walmart agreed to pay San Luis Obispo County $9,000 after violating pandemic price-gouging prohibitions. A county superior court judge approved the settlement stipulation on Friday. The event was reported in July 2021.
Company response
Remediation — Walmart
Walmart removed the item from its online platform
Refund or compensation — Walmart
provided a 100-percent refund to not only the sales within San Luis Obispo County, but throughout the State of California.
Source excerpt
Walmart agreed Friday to pay $9,000 to San Luis Obispo County after violating price gouging prohibitions during the pandemic.
On Friday, SLO County Superior Court Judge Ginger E. Garrett approved a settlement stipulation of $9,000 between Walmart and the county.
Walmart removed the item from its online platform and provided a 100-percent refund to not only the sales within San Luis Obispo County, but throughout the State of California.
2021
Walmart reportedly removes Yeezy Foam Runner replica listings
Company response
In a reported controversy involving Walmart, the retailer reportedly removed Yeezy Foam Runner replica shoes from its website on June 25, 2021, after Kanye West accused the retailer of selling the replicas. The report noted that the shoes remained available on other websites. The event summary does not specify further details about the listings, the parties' responses, or any legal outcome.
Walmart reportedly removed Yeezy Foam Runner replica shoes from its website on June 25, after Kanye West accused the retailer of selling the replicas. The report noted that the shoes remained available on other websites.
Company response
Remediation — Walmart
the retail giant removed the items, which Kanye West accused them of ripping off and selling, on Friday (June 25).
Source excerpt
Walmart has reportedly removed their Yeezy Foam Runner replica shoes from their website. According to a report from TMZ on Monday (June 28), the retail giant removed the items, which Kanye West accused them of ripping off and selling, on Friday (June 25).
the retail giant removed the items, which Kanye West accused them of ripping off and selling, on Friday (June 25).
Walmart has reportedly removed their Yeezy Foam Runner replica shoes from their website.
2021
Kanye West sues Walmart over alleged Yeezy Foam Runner imitation
Lawsuit filed
Kanye West filed a lawsuit against Walmart alleging that the retailer offered an imitation of the Yeezy Foam Runner and that consumers could mistakenly believe the shoes were associated with West and the Yeezy brand. Walmart said the product was sold by third-party Marketplace sellers rather than by Walmart itself, and that it was reviewing the claim. The dispute centers on the alleged imitation and the potential for consumer confusion over brand association.
Company response
Clarification — Walmart
The product referenced in the complaint is not sold by Walmart, but rather by third party Marketplace sellers
Investigation — Walmart
We take allegations like this seriously and are reviewing the claim.
Source excerpt
Kanye West is suing Walmart with claims the retail giant is stepping on his “iconic” fashion brand by selling knockoff versions of his Yeezy Foam Runner.
“Consumers are purchasing the imitation Yeezy Foam Runner footwear from Walmart on the mistaken belief that the shoes are associated with West and the Yeezy brand, as evidenced by comments on the Walmart website and social media,”
We take allegations like this seriously and are reviewing the claim.
2021
Jury awards $2.1 million in Walmart shoplifting-arrest lawsuit
Ruling
A Mobile County jury ruled in favor of Lesleigh Nurse, who alleged she was falsely arrested for shoplifting at a Walmart after a self-checkout scanner froze. The jury awarded her $2.1 million in damages. Walmart said it would file motions, disputing the verdict and damages.
Company response
Denial — Walmart
A spokesperson told AL.com that the company will be filing motions in this case because it doesn’t "believe the verdict is supported by the evidence and the damages awarded exceed what is allowed by law."
Source excerpt
An MOBILE, Ala. - Alabama woman who says she was falsely arrested for shoplifting at a Walmart and then threatened by the company after her case was dismissed has been awarded $2.1 million in damages.
A Mobile County jury on Monday ruled in favor of Lesleigh Nurse of Semmes, news outlets reported.
Defense attorneys for Walmart said the practice is legal in Alabama.
2021
California sues Walmart over hazardous-waste disposal
Lawsuit filed
California prosecutors sued Walmart, alleging that it illegally disposed of hazardous waste in the state. Walmart disputed the lawsuit and said it would fight it.
Company response
Denial — Walmart
Company spokesman Randy Hargrove said Walmart will fight the “unjustified lawsuit” filed Monday.
Source excerpt
California officials have filed a statewide lawsuit against Walmart alleging that the company illegally disposed of hazardous waste at landfills across the state.
The lawsuit also claims Walmart dumped "confidential customer information" at these landfills.
California filed a lawsuit against Walmart Monday, with state prosecutors claiming the retail company illegally dumps over one million batteries, aerosol cans of insect killer, toxic cleaning supplies and more into landfills annually.
2021
Crocs sues Walmart and other companies over shoe designs
Lawsuit filed
Crocs filed lawsuits against Walmart and other companies, alleging that they copied the design of its plastic shoes and violated its intellectual property rights.
Source excerpt
The company believes that more than 20 companies have violated its intellectual property rights
The Crocs firm filed lawsuits against firms such as Walmart, Hobby Lobby and Loeffler Randall “for copying” the design of its famous plastic shoes.
The Colorado-based shoemaker filed a lawsuit on July 12 against 21 retailers, manufacturers, and distributors - including Walmart and Hobby Lobby - alleging trademark infringement on its clogs.