Costco Rotisserie Chicken Class Action, Nebraska Plant Allegedly Failed Every Salmonella Test

A proposed class action lawsuit filed February 12, 2026, in U.S. District Court in Seattle, Washington, alleges that Costco’s Kirkland Signature rotisserie chicken supply carries a chronic Salmonella contamination risk linked to the company’s own poultry processing plant in Fremont, Nebraska. Plaintiff Lisa Taylor claims Costco failed to disclose this risk to consumers. The case is in its earliest stage. No settlement exists.

Quick Facts

What Actually Happened?

Costco’s $4.99 rotisserie chicken is one of the most recognized deals in American retail. The company sells more than 157 million Kirkland Signature rotisserie chickens each year and has long marketed them as a top-quality, wholesome meal option.

That reputation sits at the center of a new federal lawsuit. On February 12, 2026, plaintiff Lisa Taylor — a Missouri shopper who says she bought one or two Costco rotisserie chickens per month — filed a proposed class action in Seattle federal court. Taylor alleges Costco knowingly sold chicken products from a processing plant with a documented and ongoing Salmonella contamination problem, without telling consumers a single word about it.

The complaint points directly to Costco’s Lincoln Premium Poultry facility in Fremont, Nebraska — a plant Costco owns and operates to supply its entire chicken product line. Taylor argues that public USDA inspection records show the plant has earned the federal government’s worst food safety rating in nearly every reporting period since it opened in 2019.

What Does the Lawsuit Allege?

The 37-page complaint alleges that Costco’s Lincoln Premium Poultry facility in Fremont, Nebraska has received a USDA Category 3 rating — the lowest possible score — in approximately 92% of all reporting periods since 2019. According to the complaint, a Category 3 rating means a plant has exceeded allowable Salmonella contamination limits, making each instance an effective failing grade under federal food safety standards.

The lawsuit further alleges that the Nebraska plant failed every single monthly Salmonella test from late 2023 through mid-2025. The complaint cites a December 2025 study by Farm Forward — an animal rights nonprofit — which found that more than 9.8% of whole chickens and 15.4% of chicken parts processed at the plant tested positive for Salmonella. A separate October 2025 Consumer Reports analysis covering five years of data, according to the complaint, identified Costco’s Nebraska plant as one of the most contaminated poultry facilities in the United States.

The complaint alleges Costco knew about these results — because USDA inspection data is public record — yet continued marketing its chickens as safe, wholesome, and USDA Grade A without disclosing the contamination history. The plaintiff claims she overpaid for a product whose real risk profile was hidden from her, and that she suffered economic harm as a direct result. The complaint does not allege that any specific consumer has contracted Salmonella illness from a Costco rotisserie chicken.

What Laws Were Allegedly Violated?

According to the complaint, the lawsuit claims Costco violated the following laws:

• Washington Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86 et seq.) — Washington State’s main consumer fraud law. It prohibits unfair or deceptive acts in trade or commerce. The complaint seeks treble (triple) damages up to $25,000 per class member under this law for what it calls willful and flagrant violations.
• Breach of Implied Warranty of Merchantability — A legal promise automatically attached to the sale of goods that a product is fit for its ordinary purpose. Here, the complaint argues that chicken sold for human consumption carries an implied promise that it is safe to eat, and that Costco’s chicken allegedly did not meet that standard.
• Unjust Enrichment — A claim that Costco collected money from consumers it should not be entitled to keep because it sold a product while concealing material safety information. The complaint asks the court to order Costco to return those profits.

Who Does This Lawsuit Affect?

The proposed class — which a federal judge must still certify — is defined in the complaint as all U.S. consumers who bought covered products for personal or household use from January 1, 2019, to the present. You may be affected if:

• You purchased Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken from any Costco location in the United States
• You purchased Kirkland Signature raw chicken products from any Costco location in the United States
• Your purchases occurred at any point between January 1, 2019, and the present date
• You made those purchases for personal or household use, not for commercial resale

No action is required right now. Save any purchase records, receipts, or confirmation emails — these may matter if a settlement is reached.

What Is Costco Saying?

Costco has not issued a public statement in response to the Salmonella lawsuit as of March 19, 2026. The company has not filed a formal response or responsive pleading in this case, meaning no denial or defense argument appears in the court record yet. AllAboutLawyer.com will update this article when a response is available.

It is worth noting that in a separate and legally distinct lawsuit — the January 2026 false advertising case over “no preservatives” labeling — Costco did respond publicly. The company stated it uses carrageenan and sodium phosphate to support moisture retention, texture, and product consistency during cooking, and confirmed that both ingredients are approved by food safety authorities. That statement addresses the preservatives case only and carries no bearing on the Salmonella allegations in this lawsuit.

What Happens Next?

• Costco files its response. Costco must formally answer the complaint or file a motion to dismiss. A motion to dismiss argues the case should not proceed, even if the allegations are taken as true. This step typically occurs within 60 days of service.
• Discovery begins. If the case survives an initial motion, both sides exchange evidence — including USDA inspection records, internal Costco communications, and consumer purchase data. Discovery in complex food safety cases can take one to two years.
• Class certification hearing. A federal judge must decide whether the proposed class meets the legal standards to proceed as a class action. This is often the most important milestone in the case and can take one to several years after filing.
• Settlement negotiations or trial. If the class is certified, the parties may negotiate a settlement at any point. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds toward trial. Most class actions settle before trial.
• Timeline. This case was filed in February 2026. Consumers should not expect a resolution — settlement or otherwise — in the near term. Cases at this stage commonly take two to five years to resolve.

This page will be updated as the case develops.

Important Case Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Costco rotisserie chicken Salmonella lawsuit real?

 Yes. Lisa Taylor v. Costco Wholesale Corp., Case No. 2:26-cv-00528, is a real proposed class action filed February 12, 2026, in U.S. District Court in Seattle. Court records confirm the filing. No court has ruled on the allegations, and no finding of liability exists at this time.

Can I file a claim against Costco right now?

 No. The lawsuit is in its earliest stage. No class has been certified, no settlement exists, and no claim form is available. Any website asking you to submit a claim for this case right now should be treated with significant caution.

Do I need a lawyer to join this lawsuit?

 No. If the court certifies the class and a settlement is later reached, eligible consumers typically receive notice by mail or email and can file a claim without hiring their own attorney. Individuals who believe they suffered a personal Salmonella illness linked to Costco chicken should consult a qualified attorney to evaluate their own situation.

What happens if the case settles?

 If a settlement is reached and approved by the court, a settlement administrator will notify eligible class members with instructions on how to file a claim, the deadline to do so, and the estimated payment amount. AllAboutLawyer.com will publish full details at that time.

Will I get notified if there is a settlement? 

Costco tracks customer purchases through membership accounts, so eligible members may receive direct notice by mail or email. Courts also require public notice through media and settlement websites. Saving your purchase records now gives you the best chance of qualifying without relying on Costco’s records alone.

Is there a USDA recall on Costco rotisserie chicken? 

No. As of March 19, 2026, the USDA has not issued a recall for any Costco rotisserie chicken or Kirkland Signature raw chicken product. A lawsuit is not a recall. The USDA’s current active recall list is published at fsis.usda.gov.

Is it safe to eat Costco rotisserie chicken right now? 

No government agency has ordered a recall or advised consumers to stop purchasing Costco chicken as of the date of this article. Food safety experts consistently note that cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F kills Salmonella bacteria. Consumers with specific health concerns should consult their physician or monitor USDA recall notices directly.

What is the difference between the Salmonella lawsuit and the preservatives lawsuit against Costco?

 These are two separate, legally distinct cases. The Costco false advertising class action — filed January 22, 2026, in San Diego federal court — alleges Costco mislabeled its chicken as containing “no preservatives.” The Salmonella lawsuit involves different plaintiffs, different attorneys, different court, and entirely different legal claims about food safety and contamination disclosure.

Last Updated: March 19, 2026

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Legal claims and outcomes depend on specific facts and applicable law. For advice regarding a particular situation, consult a qualified attorney.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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