Costco Sued Over Alleged Salmonella Risk in $5 Rotisserie Chicken

Animal rights group claims Costco's Nebraska plant fails USDA safety standards

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Costco is facing a proposed class action lawsuit over alleged salmonella contamination at its chicken processing plant in Nebraska. The lawsuit cites a study by the animal rights nonprofit Farm Forward that found over 9% of whole chickens and 15% of chicken parts from the plant tested positive for salmonella. The plaintiff claims Costco failed to disclose this contamination risk to consumers who purchased its popular $4.99 Kirkland Signature rotisserie chickens.

Why it matters

Costco's rotisserie chickens are a major draw for shoppers, with over 157 million sold worldwide in 2025. This lawsuit raises serious concerns about food safety and Costco's transparency with customers regarding potential health risks from its chicken products.

The details

The proposed class action lawsuit was filed in Seattle federal court by plaintiff Lisa Taylor, who claims she routinely bought Costco's rotisserie chickens and is seeking damages for shoppers who purchased the chickens since 2019. The lawsuit alleges Costco violated consumer protection laws and an implied promise that its chickens are safe to eat. It cites a December study by Farm Forward that found the Fremont, Nebraska plant 'consistently' fails USDA safety standards.

  • The lawsuit was filed on Thursday, February 13, 2026.
  • The study by Farm Forward that criticized the Nebraska plant was published in December 2025.

The players

Lisa Taylor

A Missouri resident who is the plaintiff in the proposed class action lawsuit against Costco.

Costco

The major retail warehouse chain that is facing the lawsuit over alleged salmonella contamination in its rotisserie chickens.

Farm Forward

An animal rights nonprofit organization that published a study in December 2025 criticizing safety conditions at Costco's chicken processing plant in Nebraska.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Costco's failure to control salmonella in its chicken supply is not a harmless technicality—it poses a real danger to consumers and violates their trust.”

— Lisa Taylor, Plaintiff

What’s next

The judge will need to decide whether to certify the proposed class action lawsuit against Costco.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the importance of food safety and transparency, especially for a major retailer like Costco that relies heavily on the popularity of its rotisserie chicken offerings. It raises questions about supply chain oversight and the need for stronger regulations to protect consumers from potential health risks.