Costco is currently facing a new class-action lawsuit, alleging that its hugely popular $4.99 rotisserie chicken might carry a Salmonella risk. This legal challenge stems from reports by an animal-rights group that highlighted safety problems at one of Costco’s processing plants in Nebraska. For a product so many of us rely on for a quick, affordable meal, this kind of news is a real bummer.
Lisa Taylor, a shopper from Affton, Missouri, is the plaintiff in this case. She claims she regularly bought these Kirkland Signature rotisserie chickens from Costco warehouses in the St. Louis area. Per Newsweek, Taylor argues that she paid more than she should have because Costco allegedly didn’t warn customers about the potential contamination risks.
The lawsuit specifically points to the Fremont, Nebraska plant, claiming it has repeatedly failed to meet U.S. Department of Agriculture safety standards. The complaint states that over 9.8 percent of whole chickens tested positive for salmonella, and for chicken parts, that rate jumped to an even higher 15.4 percent. The lawsuit argues these continued Salmonella problems are real concerns that put shoppers at risk and damage their trust in the product.
Nobody wants to worry about what’s in their dinner
Taylor is seeking compensatory and triple damages for shoppers who purchased Kirkland Signature rotisserie chickens or raw chicken parts dating back to January 1, 2019. She claims the retailer violated Washington consumer-protection laws and didn’t live up to the promise that its chicken products are safe. It’s pretty clear she believes customers were misled about the product’s safety.
It’s interesting to note just how massive this product is for Costco. The company announced at its annual meeting last month that it sold more than 157 million Kirkland Signature rotisserie chickens globally in 2025. That’s an incredible number, showing just how many people could be affected by these claims if they prove true.
This isn’t the only legal battle the famous chicken is facing, either. This new case comes hot on the heels of another lawsuit filed in San Diego federal court last month. That one accused Costco of misleading customers about preservatives in the very same rotisserie chicken.
Two California shoppers claimed Costco advertised its chicken as having no preservatives, even though it contains sodium phosphate and carrageenan. While both additives are allowed in food, that lawsuit argued Costco’s “no preservatives” messaging gave buyers the wrong idea. Those plaintiffs claimed the issue violated consumer-protection laws in both California and Washington, making a similar argument about consumer trust.
Costco is a blessing when it comes to savings, even marking their tags with details that can help the keen shopper. It seems Costco’s iconic $4.99 chicken, a staple for so many households, is under intense scrutiny. It’s definitely something to keep an eye on, especially for those of us who regularly grab one of these convenient birds.
Published: Feb 22, 2026 03:12 pm