A major new class-action lawsuit has been filed against wholesale giant Costco, centering on allegations of persistent salmonella contamination at one of its key chicken processing facilities. The legal action, lodged in Seattle federal court, claims the retailer's popular rotisserie chickens pose undisclosed health risks to consumers.
Plant Conditions Under Scrutiny
The complaint specifically targets conditions at Costco's Lincoln Premium Poultry plant in Fremont, Nebraska. According to the lawsuit, this facility, which opened in 2019 and processes over 100 million chickens annually, consistently violates U.S. Department of Agriculture safety standards. The filing cites a December study by animal rights nonprofit Farm Forward that criticized safety protocols at the plant.
Alarming testing results form a core part of the allegations. The lawsuit states that over 9.8 percent of whole chickens and 15.4 percent of chicken parts from the facility have tested positive for salmonella. Plaintiff Lisa Taylor of Affton, Missouri, who regularly purchased one or two Costco rotisserie chickens monthly from St. Louis-area warehouses, claims she overpaid because the retailer failed to disclose this contamination risk.
Legal Claims and Consumer Protection
"Costco's failure to control salmonella in its chicken supply is not a harmless technicality—it poses a real danger to consumers and violates their trust," the complaint asserts. Taylor is seeking compensatory and triple damages for shoppers who purchased Kirkland Signature rotisserie chickens and raw chicken parts since January 1, 2019.
The legal action argues that Costco violated Washington consumer protection laws and broke an implied promise that its chickens are safe for consumption. This represents the second significant legal challenge Costco has faced regarding its rotisserie chicken in recent months, following a separate class-action filed in California last month concerning preservative labeling.
Preservative Controversy Continues
The earlier lawsuit, filed by two California customers, alleged that Costco falsely advertised its Kirkland Signature rotisserie chickens as preservative-free. That complaint specifically mentioned the presence of sodium phosphate and carrageenan, which function as preservatives despite marketing claims to the contrary.
While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers both ingredients generally safe for consumption, the lawsuit highlighted potential health concerns. Sodium phosphate may pose risks for individuals with kidney disease, potentially causing mineral imbalances, bone issues, and heart problems. Carrageenan, though deemed safe by the FDA in its food-grade form, has been linked in some studies to digestive issues and inflammation.
Costco's Response and Market Position
In response to the preservative allegations, 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 company defended its use of the ingredients, noting they "support moisture retention, texture, and product consistency during cooking" and are approved by food safety authorities.
Costco's rotisserie chicken remains a cornerstone of its value proposition, famously priced at just $4.99. The company reported global sales of more than 157 million birds in 2025 during last month's annual meeting. This combination of high volume and low price point makes the product particularly significant both commercially and in terms of consumer trust.
The Independent has contacted Costco for comment regarding the new salmonella allegations. The outcome of these legal challenges could have substantial implications for food safety standards, consumer protection laws, and corporate accountability in the retail food sector.
