Costco's popular rotisserie chicken, a staple for many families and a major seller with 137 million units sold in 2023 at around $8 to $9 in Canada, is at the center of a legal dispute in the United States. A class-action lawsuit filed in California on January 22 accuses Costco of misleading consumers by claiming its Kirkland Signature rotisserie chicken is 'preservative-free,' despite containing ingredients like sodium phosphate and carrageenan, which are used to preserve texture and moisture. Although these ingredients are approved by health authorities such as Health Canada, the plaintiffs argue that they act as preservatives, making the labeling misleading. Costco has responded by removing the 'preservative-free' claim and states that these ingredients are used to ensure product consistency and safety during cooking. The lawsuit alleges that the original marketing was false, and legal experts suggest that the controversy highlights ongoing concerns over food transparency. Currently, no such lawsuit has been filed in Canada, where these additives are permitted in various foods. Despite the controversy, Costco's rotisserie chicken remains highly popular due to its affordability and taste, with the company emphasizing its safety and quality.