Is Costco’s new chicken packaging making people sick?

“The old containers were much better.”

Food safety is an important part of any retail store that offers ready-to-eat and hot foods.

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

A Costco shopper says he got sick multiple times after eating the wholesaler’s fried chicken.

In a video posted to TikTok that garnered over 583,000 views, nutritionist @thejacked.gentleman says he got sick twice after eating Costco’s packaged fried chicken.

He believes the chicken sitting in the plastic bag allows the bird to develop bacteria that will be transferred to it when consumed.

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

“After I switched to chicken in a bag, I got sick twice,” he says in the video. “I don’t think it’s a problem on the first day. When you get it home, let it cool on the counter before putting it in the fridge. I think bacteria are developing.”

He continues: “In the old containers, the chicken used to stay above the juice and not just in the hot plastic juices laden with chemicals and bacteria. I don’t understand it anymore.”

The Daily Dot reached out to @thejacked.gentleman via TikTok direct message and Costco via a 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 fried chicken in an effort to reduce plastic usage and waste. Initially, customers complained that the bag was leaking and were concerned about not storing the bird in their refrigerators.

About the concerns

The poster’s summary that braising the chicken in its own juices might not be too far off. After customers reported leaks, Consumer Reports investigated whether the bags were safe. According to Consumer Reports, experts say that the leaking chicken liquid could itself become a breeding ground for bacteria if it gets onto a surface like a kitchen countertop.

There are also concerns that chemicals from the plastic bag packaging could leach into the chicken itself. Any type of heating over a long period of time can cause some plastic additives to leach into the packaged food and cause the plastic to decompose.

Viewers agree

Some who saw the video were quick to point out that there is plenty of opportunity for bacteria to grow in warm-prepared foods if stored improperly.

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

“In Australia… we’ve been eating chicken in a bag since I was a kid and I’m middle-aged,” another added. “It should also cool quickly…right in the fridge. They let it grow bacteria.”

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

Others shared that they also felt unwell after eating Costco rotisserie.

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

“Wait, I got sick after eating the last Costco chicken I got so I haven’t bought any since,” one user reiterated. “I didn’t think it might just be the case.”

“To be honest, the last two times I also wondered if I had become ill. I thought it was just a coincidence and after watching this I’m even more convinced,” one commenter wrote.

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