Costco’s $4.99 rotisserie chicken gets roasted in lawsuit. Here’s what they’re claiming

Costco is being sued in a proposed class action lawsuit by two California shoppers who claim the company falsely advertised its $4.99 rotisserie chicken as “preservative free.” The plaintiffs allege that Costco misled customers by prominently displaying this claim while listing sodium phosphate and carrageenan – both considered preservatives – in the ingredient list. The lawsuit argues that this deceptive practice cost customers “tens—if not hundreds—of millions of dollars.”

While studies have linked excessive intake of sodium phosphate and carrageenan to potential health risks, the FDA maintains they are safe at approved levels. Costco has since removed the “no preservatives” claim from in-store signage and online descriptions to ensure labeling consistency.

The plaintiffs, Bianca Johnston and Anatasia Chernov, state they purchased the chicken believing it was preservative-free and that accurate advertising is crucial for informed consumer choices. The lawsuit further claims the chicken is a “loss leader” for Costco, designed to attract customers, and that the case reflects growing scrutiny of ultra-processed foods driven by movements like Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again.” The suit seeks class action status on behalf of purchasers in California and nationwide, alleging violations of consumer laws in California and Washington.

(Source：Chicago Tribune)