Full Breakdown
Costco Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Over Salmonella Risk in Rotisserie Chicken
2/23/2026, 11:20:12 AM
Allegations of Contamination
Costco Wholesale is currently embroiled in a class-action lawsuit filed in Seattle, Washington, alleging that its popular $4.99 rotisserie chicken poses a Salmonella risk. The lawsuit, initiated by Lisa Taylor, a shopper from Affton, Missouri, claims that Costco failed to adequately control Salmonella contamination at its poultry processing plant in Fremont, Nebraska. This facility, owned by Costco, has reportedly received low food safety ratings from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspections, with studies indicating that over 9.8% of whole chickens and 15.4% of chicken parts tested positive for Salmonella.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and triple damages for customers who purchased Kirkland Signature rotisserie chickens or raw chicken parts since January 1, 2019. Taylor argues that Costco misled consumers regarding the safety of its chicken products, violating Washington consumer-protection laws.
Background and Context
The Fremont plant has been the subject of scrutiny from animal rights group Farm Forward, which highlighted ongoing safety issues. This lawsuit is not an isolated incident; it follows another legal challenge in California, where plaintiffs accused Costco of misleading customers about preservatives in its rotisserie chicken. The previous lawsuit claimed that Costco advertised its chicken as preservative-free, despite containing sodium phosphate and carrageenan, both of which are permitted food additives.
Impact on Costco's Reputation
Costco's rotisserie chicken is a significant product for the retailer, with over 157 million sold globally in 2025. The current legal challenges could potentially undermine consumer trust in this staple item. The company has responded to the allegations by stating that it uses carrageenan and sodium phosphate to enhance moisture retention and product consistency, and has removed signage suggesting the chicken is preservative-free.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the Salmonella allegations, Costco has not issued a detailed public statement regarding the lawsuit. However, the company has previously acknowledged the use of certain additives in its chicken products, emphasizing that they are approved by food safety authorities.
Criticism & Opposition
Consumer advocacy groups and legal experts have expressed concern over the implications of these lawsuits for public health and consumer trust. Critics argue that Costco's failure to adequately address contamination risks could have serious consequences for customers relying on its products for affordable meals.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the lawsuit cites specific contamination rates, there are no independent confirmations of these figures from health authorities. Additionally, the broader implications of these lawsuits on Costco's business practices and consumer perceptions remain to be seen.
What's Next
As the lawsuit progresses, it will likely draw attention from both consumers and regulatory bodies. The outcome could set a precedent for how food safety issues are addressed in the retail sector, particularly for large-scale operations like Costco. The company may also face increased scrutiny regarding its food safety practices and labeling policies in the future.
