Costco’s Popular Rotisserie Chicken Faces Controversy
The Costco rotisserie chicken, marketed under the Kirkland Signature brand, is currently embroiled in controversy. A class-action lawsuit was filed on January 22 in California, claiming that the company misled customers by labeling its chicken as ” preservative-free,” despite containing controversial additives.
Key Ingredients Under Fire
According to the lawsuit, the rotisserie chicken includes sodium phosphate and carrageenan. These ingredients serve to maintain texture and moisture retention in the chicken. Costco has acknowledged their use of these substances, which are approved by health authorities, including Health Canada.
Customer Claims
The plaintiffs argue that they would not have purchased the chicken or would have paid a lower price had they known it contained these ingredients, which they consider preservatives. This highlights a growing concern among consumers regarding transparency and labeling in food products.
Costco’s Response
In light of the allegations, Costco has decided to remove the “preservative-free” label from its marketing materials. The company stated that this decision was made to maintain consistency in its labeling. They further explained that these ingredients are crucial for ensuring the quality of the product during cooking.
Legal Perspective
The attorneys representing the plaintiffs interpret Costco’s removal of the label as an admission that the original claim was misleading. While no lawsuits have emerged in Canada regarding this issue, Health Canada categorizes carrageenan and sodium phosphate as permissible food additives. These substances are commonly found in various products, ranging from dairy to prepared meats.
Consumer Trends
As consumers increasingly seek less processed foods with shorter ingredient lists, the topic of labeling transparency remains a critical one. Despite the ongoing controversy, Costco’s rotisserie chicken continues to enjoy significant popularity.
Sales Statistics
- In 2023, Costco sold approximately 137 million rotisserie chickens.
- The price range for the rotisserie chicken in Canada is between $7.99 and $9.00.
This pricing remains one of the key attractions for consumers, especially in the context of rising meat prices.
