Preservatives Claim Sparks First Suit (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Costco Wholesale’s signature rotisserie chicken, long a go-to meal for millions, now confronts allegations of deceptive marketing and safety lapses in two newly filed class-action lawsuits.[1][2]
Preservatives Claim Sparks First Suit
Two California consumers launched the initial challenge on January 22, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. They argued that Costco misrepresented its Kirkland Signature Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken as free of preservatives, despite the inclusion of sodium phosphate and carrageenan in the ingredients list.[3][1]
The plaintiffs contended these additives function to retain moisture, stabilize texture, and extend shelf life, effectively acting as preservatives even if not labeled as such. In-store signs and online descriptions had touted the product as lacking preservatives, gluten, MSG, and artificial flavors or colors. Costco responded by removing the “no preservatives” phrasing from its displays and website. The retailer emphasized that the ingredients hold FDA generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status and serve purposes like moisture retention rather than preservation.[1]
Salmonella Allegations Heat Up Supply Concerns
A second lawsuit emerged on February 12, 2026, filed by Missouri resident Lisa Taylor in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. This action targeted chronic Salmonella issues at Costco’s Fremont, Nebraska, poultry processing plant, operated by Lincoln Premium Poultry.[2][4]
The facility, which Costco built for $450 million in 2019 to vertically integrate its supply chain, earned the USDA’s lowest food safety rating – Category 3 – in 92 percent of reporting periods since opening. It failed every monthly Salmonella test from late 2023 through mid-2025, with contamination rates exceeding standards: over 9.8 percent in whole chickens and 15.4 percent in parts. Reports from Farm Forward and Consumer Reports underscored the plant’s poor performance among U.S. poultry operations.[1] Taylor claimed Costco prioritized low prices over safety, selling potentially risky rotisserie and raw Kirkland chickens without warnings since January 1, 2019.
Behind the Bargain Bird’s Popularity
Costco introduced the $4.99 rotisserie chicken in 2009 as a loss leader, deliberately pricing it below cost to draw crowds. The strategy paid off: the company sold 157.4 million units worldwide in the past year alone. The Nebraska plant processes more than 100 million birds annually, supporting this massive volume exclusively for Costco.[1]
Shoppers prized the convenience and value, often grabbing one for quick family dinners. Yet these suits question whether cost-cutting compromised quality control and transparency. Neither case has a trial date, and class certification remains pending.
- Preservatives suit plaintiffs seek damages for U.S. buyers, alleging violations of consumer protection laws in California and Washington.
- Salmonella suit proposes a nationwide class for rotisserie and raw chicken purchasers since 2019, pursuing compensatory, treble damages, and injunctive relief under the Washington Consumer Protection Act.[4]
- Experts note cooked rotisserie chickens reach 165°F, minimizing Salmonella risk, though raw products demand careful handling.
What Lies Ahead for Consumers
Costco has not publicly addressed the Salmonella claims, focusing its response on the preservatives matter. Regulatory experts suggest consumer perceptions often blur the line between additives and preservatives, fueling such disputes. The cases highlight tensions in the retailer’s push for affordability amid food safety demands.[1]
Buyers continue snapping up the birds, but these filings may prompt label reviews or operational audits. For now, the suits underscore the scrutiny on everyday staples.
Key Takeaways
- Costco’s chicken sold at a loss drives foot traffic but invites safety questions.
- Plant records show repeated USDA failures, though cooking mitigates rotisserie risks.
- Label changes already addressed one suit’s core grievance.
These developments remind shoppers to check ingredients and handling guidelines closely. Will Costco adjust its strategy, or will courts dismiss the claims? Share your thoughts in the comments.
