Costco facing class-action suit over rotisserie chicken. Why?

Costco is being sued in a class-action lawsuit filed in California, alleging false advertising regarding its popular $4.99 Kirkland Signature rotisserie chicken. Plaintiffs claim the chicken contains sodium phosphate and carrageenan, which are used as preservatives, despite being labeled and marketed as having “no preservatives.” The lawsuit argues that consumers rely on these claims when making purchasing decisions and that Costco has “systemically cheated customers” out of potentially hundreds of millions of dollars.

The FDA permits the use of these preservatives if they are generally recognized as safe and properly declared on the label. While sodium phosphate is considered safe for consumption, excessive intake can cause health problems for individuals with kidney disease or other conditions.

The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief, restitution, damages, and disgorgement of profits. This legal action comes amid growing public awareness of additives in food and a push, led by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., against ultra-processed foods, aligning with recent U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommending reduced consumption of such items. Costco has not yet issued a statement regarding the suit.

(Source：Naples Daily News)