Costco Chicken Lawsuit: "No Preservatives" Claim Challenged

A class action lawsuit has been filed against Costco by two California women who allege the retailer misled consumers about its Kirkland Signature Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken. The plaintiffs, Bianca Johnston and Anastasia Chernov, claim the chicken is advertised as containing "no preservatives" but is actually made with sodium phosphate and carrageenan.

These ingredients, the lawsuit asserts, perform preservative functions by enhancing shelf stability, texture, and moisture retention. The plaintiffs contend that Costco's advertising violated consumer protection laws in California and Washington, leading to alleged unfair business practices and consumers paying a premium for a product not as described.

In response to the allegations, Costco stated that it has removed signs claiming the rotisserie chicken contains no preservatives to ensure consistent labeling. The company clarified that sodium phosphate and carrageenan are used to support moisture retention, texture, and product consistency during cooking, and that both ingredients are approved by food safety authorities. The lawsuit seeks unspecified monetary damages and class certification for all U.S. purchasers of the rotisserie chicken.