Costco is facing a new class-action lawsuit over its famous Kirkland Signature rotisserie chickens.
Filed last week in Seattle federal court, the lawsuit alleges the retailer’s Fremont, Nebraska, processing plant may be contaminated with Salmonella. According to The Independent, the lawsuit, led by plaintiff Lisa Taylor of Affton, Missouri, cites a Farm Forward study from December highlighting potential safety issues at the plant, which processes over 100 million chickens annually.
Taylor alleges she regularly purchased Costco rotisserie chickens in St. Louis and believes she overpaid because the risk was not disclosed. According to the complaint, the Fremont plant “consistently” fails to meet U.S. Department of Agriculture safety standards, with 9.8 percent of whole chickens and 15.4 percent of chicken parts testing positive for Salmonella.
The suit seeks compensatory and triple damages for customers who purchased rotisserie chickens or raw chicken parts since January 1, 2019. It claims Costco violated Washington consumer protection laws and broke an implied promise that its products were safe to eat.
Another Costco Chicken Lawsuit
This lawsuit comes on the heels of a similar class-action in California, where customers allege Costco falsely advertised its rotisserie chickens as preservative-free.
The chickens contain sodium phosphate and carrageenan—preservatives that maintain moisture, texture, and consistency. While both additives are FDA-approved, some studies link carrageenan to digestive issues and sodium phosphate to kidney and heart concerns for at-risk populations.
Costco sells its rotisserie chickens for $4.99 each—making them a popular option across the nation. The company reported global sales of more than 157 million birds in 2025 alone.
In response to the California lawsuit, Costco removed preservative-related claims from stickers, signage, and listings, noting the ingredients are approved by food safety authorities and used to maintain product quality.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.