Some customers of Costco are raising concerns about the chain’s widely loved $4.99 rotisserie chicken, arguing it contains preservatives—contrary to what the company claims. A recent lawsuit has come to light regarding this issue.
Officials from California have accused Costco of “systematically defrauding” consumers of billions of dollars by falsely advertising its chicken as preservative-free.
A class action lawsuit was filed last week in federal court in San Diego, alleging that Costco mislabels its rotisserie chicken, which contains sodium phosphate and carrageenan.
Costco is also said to be taking advantage of the growing consumer trend for “clean label” and preservative-free products.
By marketing its chicken as a healthier option, the company may have misled millions into buying it who might otherwise avoid such products, while not fully disclosing the nature of its ingredients.
A spokesperson for Costco noted that they’ve removed mentions of preservatives from their labels and online listings to maintain consistency.
“We use carrageenan and sodium phosphate to help with moisture retention, texture, and cooking consistency. Both are approved by food safety authorities,” the spokesperson added.
While health regulators permit both ingredients in food, they are not without controversy. Sodium phosphate is commonly used in processed meats for moisture retention and texture improvement.
Some health researchers have cautioned that high phosphate intake could be risky, particularly for those with kidney issues.
These additives have connections to concerns about cardiovascular health, leading some public health advocates to call for restrictions on their use in processed foods.
Carrageenan, which is derived from seaweed and used as a thickener and stabilizer, is also approved but has sparked debate in scientific circles.
Some studies link carrageenan to inflammation and digestive issues, while others argue that food-grade carrageenan is safe in normal amounts, emphasizing that negative effects are linked to degraded versions not used in foods.
Costco’s rotisserie chicken is incredibly popular.
Sold by one of the largest warehouse retailers, the chicken is among the most frequently purchased prepared foods in the country, with over 100 million sold each year.
The price has remained at $4.99 for over a decade, despite various economic pressures, helping it become a beloved choice for many shoppers.
This retailer has made its rotisserie chicken a staple, often placed at the back of the warehouse, encouraging customers to navigate through aisles of higher-margin products. This strategy has turned the chicken into one of the most effective loss leaders in retail today.
