Summary
Two California shoppers have sued Costco, claiming that the company's $4.99 rotisserie chicken is falsely advertised as having "no preservatives." The lawsuit argues that the chicken contains sodium phosphate and carrageenan, which they consider to be preservatives.
Key Facts
- A lawsuit was filed by Bianca Johnston and Anatasia Chernov, two California residents, against Costco over its rotisserie chicken.
- The plaintiffs say Costco's signs and website incorrectly claim the chicken has "no preservatives."
- Sodium phosphate and carrageenan, found in the chicken, are called preservatives by the plaintiffs.
- The lawsuit was filed on January 22, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.
- The lawsuit represents all U.S. shoppers of Costco's rotisserie chicken, with a special subgroup for California customers.
- The suit claims Costco breached consumer protection laws in California and Washington.
- Sodium phosphate and carrageenan are approved for use in food by U.S. regulators but may have potential health risks.
- Costco has removed the "no preservatives" label from signs and online, affirming the use of the additives for product quality.
