Full Breakdown
Popeyes Lawsuit Over Condom-Like Object in Fried Chicken
8/13/2026, 9:07:48 PM
Incident and Lawsuit
On or around July 25, customers Justin Howard and Danielle McKinnon purchased fried chicken at the Popeyes located at 7416 S. Sam Houston Parkway West, Houston, Texas. The pair stopped eating, reported nausea, and returned to the restaurant. Management initially offered a replacement; after “persistence,” the plaintiffs were refunded.
The plaintiffs filed a lawsuit on August 3 seeking $1.5 million in damages, alleging negligence and violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act (DTPA), which protects consumers from false, misleading, or deceptive business practices. The complaint characterizes the restaurant’s response as “conscious indifference” and asserts that the object could expose diners to infectious contaminants, bacteria, viruses, bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, or sexually transmitted diseases.
Legal Basis
The DTPA provides a civil cause of action for consumers who suffer injury from deceptive trade practices. By alleging that Popeyes and its parent company Restaurant Brands International failed to ensure safe food handling, the plaintiffs seek statutory damages, attorney fees, and punitive relief under the Act.
Company Response
“We looked at extensive internal video and determined this was likely a restaurant glove that fell into the batter,” — Satisfaction Index Two Popeyes
Data & Statistics
- Location: Popeyes, 7416 S. Sam Houston Parkway West, Houston, TX
- Date of incident: July 25 (occurred)
- Date lawsuit filed: August 3 (occurred)
- Damages sought: $1.5 million
- Defendants: Popeyes, Restaurant Brands International, and a franchise operator
Pending Proceedings
The petition requests a jury trial; the case remains pending in Harris County District Court. No further court dates have been disclosed.
