Costco Rotisserie Chicken Warning After Lawsuit and Health App Claims
Costco’s $4.99 rotisserie chicken has long been a symbol of unbeatable value, a go-to dinner shortcut for millions of Americans. Now, a trending health app and a newly filed lawsuit are putting that reputation under a microscope, raising questions about what’s really behind one of the most popular items in grocery retail.
The controversy picked up steam after Oasis, a health-focused app, claimed Costco’s rotisserie chicken contains more than a dozen additives despite being marketed as having “no preservatives.” The claim quickly went viral—and it didn’t stop there.
Costco’s rotisserie chicken with “no preservatives” found with sodium phosphate, carrageenan and 11 other additives
— Oasis (@oasishealthapp) February 13, 2026
- Lawsuit in Jan 2026 for falsely advertising "no preservatives" — did not remove the ingredients
- $450M factory in Nebraska processes 2 million… pic.twitter.com/z1ddJQVQHk
The Lawsuit and Additive Claims
A lawsuit filed in January 2026 accuses Costco of misleading advertising, alleging the company continued promoting the chickens as preservative-free while still using ingredients that consumers could reasonably interpret as preservatives.
Among the ingredients flagged:
- Sodium phosphate, often used to retain moisture and improve texture.
- Carrageenan, a stabilizer commonly added to processed foods.
- A total of more than a dozen additives cited in the claims.
These ingredients are approved for use in food, but their presence may clash with how shoppers interpret “no preservatives” labeling.
Inside Costco’s Massive Chicken Operation
Costco’s poultry supply chain is built for scale. A $450 million facility in Nebraska reportedly processes around 2 million birds each week across more than 500 barns. That level of production helps keep the price at $4.99—but it also brings scrutiny.
Viral social media posts circulating alongside the claims also allege poor conditions in poultry facilities, including footage said to show animal welfare issues. Those claims have not been independently verified. While those allegations have yet to be fully litigated, they’ve added fuel to an already growing controversy.
Processing Methods Raise Questions
Across the poultry industry, chickens are commonly processed using either air-chilling or water-chilling systems, which may include antimicrobial rinses. However, it’s unclear how those methods apply across Costco’s full rotisserie chicken supply chain.
Those methods may include:
- Water-chilling systems that rinse carcasses in chlorinated baths.
- Peracetic acid treatments used for antimicrobial purposes.
These practices are permitted under U.S. regulations, but they’ve become a sticking point for consumers paying closer attention to how their food is handled.
Health Concerns Behind the Ingredients
Some of the biggest concerns tied to the claims center on potential health impacts, particularly for long-term consumption.
Sodium phosphate, for example, has been linked in some research to kidney stress when consumed in excess. That’s notable given that roughly 37 million Americans are living with chronic kidney disease.
Carrageenan has also drawn attention. While widely used in the food industry, some studies suggest it may contribute to gastrointestinal inflammation in certain individuals.
There are also broader nutritional questions. Chickens raised on corn- and soy-heavy diets—much of it genetically modified—can have omega-6 to omega-3 ratios as high as 15:1, far from the balance many experts recommend.
Packaging and Food Safety Concerns
Even the packaging is part of the conversation. Costco’s rotisserie chickens are sold hot in PET plastic containers, and some experts warn that heat combined with fat may accelerate the leaching of certain compounds into food.
Those can include:
- Antimony
- Acetaldehyde
- Microplastics
While regulatory agencies set safety thresholds, the combination of heat, fat, and plastic remains a concern for some consumers.
Food safety is another piece of the puzzle. Reports tied to the claims suggest facilities connected to Costco’s supply chain have struggled with federal salmonella performance standards in recent years. However, those challenges are not unique to Costco and affect much of the poultry industry.
What It Means for Shoppers
Costco has not admitted wrongdoing, and the lawsuit will ultimately determine whether the claims hold up in court. In the meantime, the company continues to stand behind its rotisserie chicken as a high-value offering.
For shoppers, the decision comes down to priorities. At $4.99, the chicken remains one of the cheapest and most convenient protein options on the market. But as more information surfaces about sourcing, additives, and processing, some consumers may start weighing more than just price.
That tension—between value and transparency—isn’t going away anytime soon. And in today’s environment, even the most trusted grocery staples can quickly find themselves under scrutiny.