Full Breakdown
Costco Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Salmonella Contamination Claims
2/14/2026, 11:38:54 AM
Allegations of Contamination at Nebraska Processing Plant
Costco is currently embroiled in a class action lawsuit concerning its rotisserie chicken, with allegations stemming from an animal rights nonprofit, Farm Forward. The lawsuit, filed in Seattle federal court by plaintiff Lisa Taylor from Affton, Missouri, claims that Costco's Lincoln Premium Poultry processing plant in Fremont, Nebraska, is contaminated with salmonella. The plant, which opened in 2019, is capable of processing over 100 million chickens annually. According to the complaint, the facility has consistently failed to meet U.S. Department of Agriculture safety standards, with over 9.8% of whole chickens and 15.4% of chicken parts testing positive for salmonella.
Consumer Claims and Legal Demands
Taylor asserts that she regularly purchased one or two rotisserie chickens each month from Costco locations in the St. Louis area and believes she overpaid due to the retailer's failure to disclose the contamination risk. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and triple damages for consumers who bought Kirkland Signature rotisserie chickens and raw chicken parts since January 1, 2019. It argues that Costco violated Washington consumer protection laws and an implied promise regarding the safety of its chicken products.
Previous Legal Challenges
This lawsuit follows another proposed class action filed in San Diego federal court, which accused Costco of falsely advertising its rotisserie chicken as preservative-free, despite containing sodium phosphate and carrageenan. These ingredients are used for moisture retention and texture but have raised health concerns. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deems sodium phosphate safe for most individuals, it may pose risks for those with kidney disease. Carrageenan, derived from red seaweed, is also considered safe by the FDA, but some studies have linked it to digestive issues and inflammation.
Official Statements and Responses
In response to the allegations regarding preservatives, a Costco spokesperson stated, “To maintain consistency among the labeling on our rotisserie chickens and the signs in our warehouses/online presentations, we have removed statements concerning preservatives from the signs and online presentations.” The spokesperson emphasized that both carrageenan and sodium phosphate are approved by food safety authorities for use in food products.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of Costco's practices, including Farm Forward, argue that the retailer's failure to control salmonella contamination poses a significant risk to consumers and undermines public trust. The lawsuit highlights the potential dangers associated with the consumption of contaminated chicken, framing the issue as more than just a technicality.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the lawsuit cites specific contamination rates, there is no immediate response from Costco regarding the allegations of salmonella contamination at the Fremont plant. The absence of detailed comments from the company leaves some questions unanswered about the safety measures in place at the facility.
What's Next
As the lawsuit progresses, it may prompt further scrutiny of Costco's food safety practices and labeling claims. The outcome could have implications for consumer protection laws and food safety regulations in the retail sector.
