Costco Faces Class Action Lawsuits Over Rotisserie Chicken Safety Claims

Costco Wholesale Corporation is currently embroiled in two proposed class action lawsuits concerning its popular Kirkland Signature Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken, priced at $4.99. The first lawsuit, filed on January 22, 2026, in California, accuses Costco of falsely advertising the chicken as preservative-free, while the second lawsuit, submitted in Seattle on February 12, 2026, alleges that the company’s Nebraska poultry facility is contaminated with Salmonella.

Costco sued over salmonella outbreak linked to its poultry facilityOregonianCostco Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Over Rotisserie Chickens and Salmonella ConcernsCostco Hit with Class Action Over Alleged Salmonella Risks at Facility (Update)

The California lawsuit claims that Costco misled consumers by labeling its rotisserie chicken as free from preservatives, despite the presence of sodium phosphate and carrageenan—additives used to enhance moisture retention and texture. The plaintiffs argue that this misrepresentation has resulted in significant financial losses for customers, potentially amounting to "tens — if not hundreds — of millions of dollars." In response to the lawsuit, Costco has removed the "no preservatives" signage from its stores and online platforms, stating that both ingredients are approved by food safety authorities.

Costco sued over salmonella outbreak linked to its poultry facilityCostco Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Over Rotisserie Chickens and Salmonella ConcernsOregonian

The Seattle lawsuit, led by plaintiff Lisa Taylor, alleges that Costco's Lincoln Premium Poultry facility in Fremont, Nebraska, has repeatedly failed to meet U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) safety standards for Salmonella. The complaint cites USDA inspection data indicating that the facility received the agency's lowest food safety rating, Category 3, in approximately 92% of reporting periods since 2019. It claims that over 9.8% of whole chickens and 15.4% of chicken parts tested positive for Salmonella, raising concerns about the safety of the products distributed nationwide.

Costco Hit with Class Action Over Alleged Salmonella Risks at Facility (Update)Costco Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Over Rotisserie Chickens and Salmonella ConcernsOregonianCostco sued over salmonella outbreak linked to its poultry facility

The lawsuits seek compensatory and triple damages for customers who purchased rotisserie chickens or raw chicken parts since January 1, 2019. Taylor, who regularly bought the rotisserie chicken in St. Louis, claims she suffered financial loss due to the alleged undisclosed risks associated with the product. The lawsuits argue that reasonable consumers would not expect a product marketed as a flagship value item to carry such contamination risks.

Costco Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Over Rotisserie Chickens and Salmonella Concerns

Costco has not publicly commented on the Seattle lawsuit but has stated that the additives used in its rotisserie chicken are essential for maintaining product quality. The company emphasized that both sodium phosphate and carrageenan are approved by food safety authorities.

Costco Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Over Rotisserie Chickens and Salmonella Concerns

Critics, including animal welfare organizations and consumer advocacy groups, have raised concerns about Costco's production practices and the safety of its poultry products. The Farm Forward study referenced in the lawsuits highlights ongoing issues at the Fremont facility, which has been identified as one of the most contaminated poultry plants in the country.

Costco Hit with Class Action Over Alleged Salmonella Risks at Facility (Update)

As these lawsuits progress, they may lead to significant scrutiny of Costco's food safety practices and marketing strategies. The outcomes could impact consumer trust and the company's operational protocols regarding food safety and labeling.

Costco Hit with Class Action Over Alleged Salmonella Risks at Facility (Update)

• “Costco’s inability to manage salmonella in its chicken products is not a minor oversight—it presents a genuine risk to consumers and undermines their confidence in the brand.” — Lisa Taylor, Plaintiff

Costco sued over salmonella outbreak linked to its poultry facility

• “We use carrageenan and sodium phosphate to help maintain moisture, texture, and consistency during cooking. Both ingredients are approved by food safety authorities.” — Costco Statement

Costco sued over salmonella outbreak linked to its poultry facility