Additional Coverage:
- Costco shoppers told to avoid one of its most popular items by watchdog group in latest study (marketrealist.com)
Watchdog Group Warns Shoppers About Costco’s Beloved Rotisserie Chicken
[City, State] – That savory, budget-friendly rotisserie chicken from Costco? It might be time to think twice before tossing it into your cart. A recent study by the non-profit organization Farm Forward has flagged Lincoln Premium Poultry, a key supplier for Costco’s popular $4.99 rotisserie chickens, for elevated salmonella levels, exceeding federal safety limits.
Costco, a retail giant known for its blend of quality and value, has recently faced scrutiny over product recalls and customer complaints regarding food contamination. While the sub-$5 rotisserie chicken remains an inflation-proof favorite, drawing members in droves and even reportedly incurring losses for the company, its safety has become a growing concern.
The retail behemoth heavily relies on membership renewals for its revenue, a strategy that allows it to absorb losses on certain items like the rotisserie chicken. Furthermore, Costco made a significant investment in 2019, pouring $450 million into a poultry facility in Fremont, Nebraska, operated by Lincoln Premium Poultry, which processes an astonishing 100 million chickens annually.
However, despite these commitments, the rotisserie chicken has been a point of contention for several years. An earlier undercover investigation, as reported by TheStreet, alleged overcrowded conditions and visible injuries among chickens at the facility. Both Costco and Lincoln Premium Poultry issued statements at the time, asserting their dedication to “maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare, humane processes and ethical conduct throughout the supply chain.”
Beyond animal welfare, the more immediate concern for consumers is health and safety. Salmonella, a common bacterium found in improperly handled or cooked poultry, poses a significant risk. Although the USDA introduced reforms in 2022 to protect consumers against salmonella, these measures were unfortunately rolled back in 2025.
The latest study from Farm Forward found that Lincoln Premium Poultry was among several popular brands with salmonella levels significantly higher than federal safety limits. In response to the study, Lincoln Premium Poultry stated that it “treats the safety of its products as an utmost concern.”
As of now, Costco has not issued a statement regarding the Farm Forward study. Despite the growing concerns, the popular item continues to be sold at its attractive price point. Shoppers, now armed with this new information, may find themselves contemplating more than just the cost when reaching for that golden-brown bird.