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In a move that could shake the foundations of one of America’s favourite grocery staples, Costco’s famed rotisserie chicken is facing a class-action lawsuit. The suit, filed last week in a Seattle federal court, accuses the retailer of misleading customers regarding the safety of its poultry, following alarming findings of salmonella contamination at its processing facility in Nebraska. This legal battle may have broader implications for consumer trust and food safety standards.
Allegations of Contamination
The lawsuit was initiated by plaintiff Lisa Taylor from Affton, Missouri, who claims that she routinely purchases Costco’s rotisserie chickens from local stores. According to the complaint, a recent study by the animal rights organisation Farm Forward highlighted serious safety violations at Costco’s Lincoln Premium Poultry plant, which processes over 100 million chickens each year. The findings revealed that more than 9.8% of whole chickens and 15.4% of chicken parts were found to be contaminated with salmonella, raising significant health concerns.
Taylor argues that her decision to buy these birds was based on the belief that they were free from harmful pathogens, a trust she feels has been violated. “Costco’s failure to control salmonella in its chicken supply is not a harmless technicality—it poses a real danger to consumers and violates their trust,” the lawsuit states.
Seeking Compensation
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and triple damages for all consumers who purchased Kirkland Signature rotisserie chickens and raw chicken parts from January 1, 2019, onwards. Taylor asserts that Costco has breached Washington’s consumer protection laws by not disclosing the salmonella risk associated with its products.
This legal action comes on the heels of a similar case filed in California, where customers alleged that Costco’s marketing falsely represented its rotisserie chickens as preservative-free. The earlier suit pointed to the presence of sodium phosphate and carrageenan—ingredients that act as preservatives—contradicting the retailer’s claims.
Costco’s Response
In response to these allegations, a spokesperson for Costco stated that the company has taken steps to align its labeling with safety standards, removing references to preservatives from promotional materials. They defended the use of carrageenan and sodium phosphate, asserting that both ingredients are approved by food safety authorities and serve essential roles in maintaining the chicken’s moisture, texture, and overall quality during cooking.
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) generally regards sodium phosphate as safe for healthy individuals, it may pose risks for those with kidney issues. Similarly, though carrageenan is deemed safe by the FDA, some studies have linked its degraded form, poligeenan, to potential health risks, raising further concerns among consumers.
The Bigger Picture
As this lawsuit unfolds, it raises critical questions about food safety and consumer rights. The popularity of Costco’s rotisserie chicken, sold at an unbeatable price of $4.99, has contributed to the sale of over 157 million birds in 2025 alone. However, the potential for salmonella contamination could deter customers and impact sales, particularly if the lawsuit reveals systemic issues within the supply chain.
Why it Matters
This legal challenge against Costco underscores a growing public awareness regarding food safety and transparency in the grocery industry. As consumers become increasingly vigilant about the products they purchase, retailers like Costco must navigate the fine line between cost-effective pricing and rigorous safety standards. The outcome of this lawsuit could not only redefine consumer trust in Costco but also prompt other retailers to reassess their supply chains and marketing practices, ultimately influencing the broader landscape of food safety in the United States.
