Many Costco customers love their rotisserie chicken. It is not only cheap but also a handy, ready-to-eat dinner choice at just about $5 for each bird. Actually, some consumers visit Costco just for this well-known item.
Lately, Costco’s rotisserie chicken has become the focus of debate not because of taste or cost but rather because of an apparently benign packaging change. Costco switched its conventional plastic trays and dome lids for new plastic bags earlier in the year.
Although this change seems small, it has left many consumers uncomfortable and, occasionally, even sick.
The Change to Bagged Packaging: What Makes Difference?
Costco used to sell its rotisserie chickens in robust, clear plastic trays with dome lids that let the chicken sit above its own juices. However, the new bags cover the bird entirely, and there is no division in separating the meat from the residual liquids.
Some consumers have expressed their displeasure on social media sites, including Reddit and TikHub, citing messy bags and leaks that are more likely. “The plastic bag is just a mess waiting to happen,” one Reddit user said; another added, “They’re nasty to touch and get everything greasy.”
Still, the bags have spurred more than just questions about clutter. Certain customers say they have become sick after eating the chicken because of the new packaging design. thejacked.gentleman, a TikTok user, revealed his experience of falling ill twice following a rotisserie chicken purchase due to a packaging change.
According to him, the new design might trap heat and moisture, allowing bacteria to flourish in the surroundings. “The old containers used let the chicken sit above the juices, not just like, sit in the hot plastic chemically, bacteria-laden juices,” he said. Sitting in its own juices inside the tightly sealed bag, he thinks the chicken may be growing dangerous bacteria.
Is there a legitimate issue here?
These clients’ issues are not wholly unfounded. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines packaging materials that come into direct touch with food as “indirect additives,” meaning that chemicals in the packaging may perhaps migrate into the food.
To guarantee they are safe for their intended use, the FDA does, however, have tight rules for authorizing food packaging materials. Costco, for its part, has been selling its rotisserie chickens in these bags in Canada for some years without recorded problems, which lends some balance to the argument.
Weighing in on the matter was Dr. Manpreet Singh, Head of the University of Georgia’s Department of Food Science and Technology. He noted that post-cooking handling is one of several elements that determine whether a bag or tray carries more bacteria.
Finding the source of these illness reports becomes difficult without more thorough data. Although some people may find the bags unsettling, their risk of contamination relative to past packaging is not particularly high.
Excellent storage is essential. Safely Handling Rotisserie Chicken: Techniques
Store and treat a rotisserie chicken after purchase carefully, whether in a tray or a bag. Left out too long, cooked food falls into what food safety experts refer to as the “danger zone” (41 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit), where bacteria flourish most quickly. Use these safety guidelines to guard against foodborne diseases:
- Refrigerate Quickly: Once you get the chicken home, don’t let it sit out for more than two hours—or one hour if the temperature is above ninety-F. Get it into the refrigerator as soon as you can ideally.
- Cool It to 135°F First (If Desired): While some people prefer to let their rotisserie chicken cool before refrigeration, it is not absolutely necessary to wait until it reaches room temperature. It keeps well in the refrigerator once it has cooled to 135°F.
- Use Airtight Containers: Pull the meat off the bone right away and keep it in a separate glass or plastic container if you wish to reduce contact between the chicken and any remaining juices.
- Consume Within Two Days: Rotisserie chicken should be consumed within two days even with correct storage. Freezing is a good idea if you do not want to eat it right away.
Moving the chicken to a different container, say a glass one, as soon as possible will help people who are concerned about plastic pollution find peace of mind.
Costco’s views
Costco has not issued an official response on the packaging issues brought out by American consumers. Nonetheless, it is interesting to note that the company has sold its rotisserie chickens in Canada in identical plastic bags for a few years without any notable problems documented. These claims for illnesses could be isolated events or connected to post-purchase handling instead of the packaging itself.
Should you avoid rotisserie chicken from Costco?
Costco’s rotisserie chicken is still a staple even with conflicting opinions and sporadic illness reports. There’s not much reason to totally avoid it as long as you handle it correctly and store it fast. Pull the meat off the bone and use another storage container for added security.
Food safety is more about the packaging the chicken arrives in than it is about what happens once you bring it home.
Last Thoughts: A Change in Packaging Calls for Discussion
Though it has created a stir, Costco’s choice to replace rigid trays with plastic bags for its rotisserie chickens may have been driven by cost-cutting or environmental concerns. Although some consumers think the bags are dirty or even dangerous, it’s crucial to keep in mind that good food handling is fundamental in preventing disease.
If you worry about plastic pollution or bacterial growth, think about refrigerating the chicken right away using your own container. Ultimately, given the fundamental guidelines of food safety, Costco’s rotisserie chicken is probably just as safe as it has always been.