CAMDEN, NJ—In a stunning breach of corporate etiquette, Campbell Soup Company fired IT Vice President Martin Bally on Tuesday after he allegedly violated the company’s cardinal rule: never openly admit soup is primarily consumed by people short on time or disposable income.

According to sources, Bally, who had just implemented a new “Soup Cloud” data initiative, was caught on tape referring to Campbell’s legendary condensed chicken noodle as a product “for poor people who can’t afford salt separately.” The comments, delivered while microwaving a can of Chunky Beef & Vegetable in the executive lounge, sent shockwaves through the largely sodium-based industry.

“Our entire business model relies on the illusion that soup is aspirational,” said Campbell’s Chief Branding Officer, Lacey Brotherson. “If our customers ever realize our soup costs less than bottled water, we’re finished.”

In response to Bally’s alleged disparagement of Indian IT employees, Campbell’s CEO Mark L. Spoon issued a statement: “We value all of our global team members, regardless of their ability to pronounce ‘minestrone’ or tolerate tomato bisque.”

Soup sociologist Dr. Linda Ramen noted, “This is a classic case of class consciousness bubbling to the surface. If people realize who actually eats canned soup, they might demand fresher soup, or worse—skip lunch altogether.”

Campbell’s remains committed to its mission of providing affordable, shelf-stable dinners for the world’s forgotten eaters, while quietly suggesting through marketing that such meals are both luxurious and ironically hip.