Will Costco’s new chicken packaging make people sick?

‘The old containers were so much better.’

Food safety is an important part of any store that offers ready-made and hot dishes.

But what happens when the storage method has unintended consequences for customers?

A Costco customer says he has gotten sick multiple times after eating the big-box retailer’s rotisserie chicken.

In a video on TikTok that has been viewed more than 583,000 times, nutritionist @thejacked.gentleman says he got sick twice after eating Costco’s bagged rotisserie chicken.

He says he believes the chicken in the plastic bag causes the bird to develop bacteria that are passed on to him when he eats the chicken.

@thejacked.gentleman Costco “Chicken-in-a-Bag” made me sick twice the next day! I think bacteria builds up if you let it cool on the counter before putting it in the refrigerator. The first day is fine, but after that I wouldn’t eat it anymore. #costco #costcobuys #costcochicken #foodpoisioning ♬ original sound – TheJackedGentleman

“I got sick twice after switching to chicken in a bag,” he says in the video. “I don’t think it’s a problem the first day. By the time you get it home, let it cool on the counter before putting it in the fridge, I think bacteria will grow on it.”

He continues, “The old containers allowed the chicken to sit above the juices, not just in the hot, plastic, chemical-laden juices. I don’t understand it anymore.”

The Daily Dot reached out to @thejacked.gentleman via direct message on TikTok, and to Costco via the contact form about the video.

Has Costco Changed Its Chicken Packaging?

Yes. Earlier this year, Costco switched from using plastic clamshell packaging to thinner plastic bags for its rotisserie chicken in an effort to reduce plastic use and waste. Initially, customers complained about the bag leaking and were concerned about storing the bird in their refrigerator.

About the worries

The poster’s summary that the chicken may be simmered in its own juices may not seem far off. As customers reported leaks, Consumer Reports dug in to determine if the bags are safe. According to Consumer Reports, experts say that the leaking chicken juice could itself become a breeding ground for bacteria if it leaks onto a surface such as a countertop.

There are also concerns about the plastic bag packaging leaching chemicals into the chicken itself. Any form of heating for extended periods of time can cause certain plastic additives to leach into the packaged food and cause the plastic to break down.

Viewers weigh in

Some who saw the video were quick to point out that there are many opportunities for bacteria to grow in hot cooked foods when stored properly.

“Cooling on the counter allows bacteria to flourish,” one commenter wrote. “Straight into the refrigerator or an ice bath to cool quickly.”

“In Australia… we’ve had chicken in a poke since I was a kid and I’m middle aged,” another added. “Plus, you need to cool it quickly… like straight into the refrigerator. You allow bacteria to grow there.”

“You don’t chill on the counter, take it out of the bag and put it in the fridge straight away,” said another.

Others reported feeling similarly ill after eating Costco rotisserie.

“No, it’s the chicken that made me sick the first time I tried it,” one commenter wrote. “Never had that again.”

“Wait, I got sick after eating the last Costco chicken I got so I haven’t bought any since,” echoed one user. “I didn’t think it might have come out of the bag.”

“Honestly I was wondering if I had gotten sick the last two times too, I thought it was just a coincidence and after seeing this I’m even more convinced,” one commenter wrote.

Internet culture is chaotic, but we’ll explain it for you in one daily email. Sign up for Daily Dot’s web_crawlr newsletter here. You’ll get the best (and worst) of the internet straight to your inbox.