Costco Sued Over $4.99 Rotisserie Chicken

Costco is being sued by two California shoppers in a class-action lawsuit claiming the company falsely advertised its $4.99 Kirkland Signature Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken as containing “no preservatives.” The plaintiffs, Bianca Johnston and Anatasia Chernov, argue that ingredients like sodium phosphate and carrageenan are, in fact, preservatives, despite Costco’s in-store signs and website implying otherwise. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, seeks to represent all U.S. shoppers who purchased the chicken, with a subgroup for California residents due to specific state consumer protection laws.

While sodium phosphate and carrageenan are approved for use in food by U.S. regulators, research cited in the National Library of Medicine (NLM) suggests potential health risks associated with high intake of phosphate additives, particularly for individuals with kidney disease. Studies also indicate carrageenan may promote gut inflammation, though its effects on humans require further research.

Costco has responded by removing “no preservatives” statements from its signage and online descriptions, clarifying that carrageenan and sodium phosphate are used to maintain the chicken’s moisture, texture, and consistency, and that both are approved by food safety authorities. A hearing schedule has not yet been announced.

(Source：Newsweek)