Popular for its taste and economy, Costco’s rotisserie chicken is a favorite of many customers. Many customers even go to the warehouse just for this beloved item, which runs about $5, depending on the store. It’s so well-liked that rotisserie chicken won a taste test for groceries.
However, the chicken gained notoriety early this year when Costco revealed a packaging modification. Shoppers started a heated argument when the retailer changed from the conventional plastic tray and dome lid to a plastic bag.
The Packaging Shift: From Tray to Bag
Costco’s rotisserie chicken was easy to carry for years as it came in a plastic container with a strong tray and a transparent dome cap. Many consumers were startled by the new packaging a plastic bag.
Some Reddit users voiced worries about the shift, calling the new bag untidy and prone to making things greasy. One customer said, “The plastic bag is just a mess waiting to happen,” while another grumbled, “They’re nasty to touch and get everything greasy.”
But oily fingers are not the only problem individuals are mentioning. Whether the new packaging is genuinely making people sick is a current issue of interest. Some consumers say they bought the chicken in the new plastic bag and developed sickly.
Illness Claim Made Following Chicken Consumption
A TikHub user, posted a video claiming to have twice felt sick after eating Costco’s rotisserie chicken after the packaging changed. Given that consumers don’t refrigerate the chicken immediately, he hypothesized the new plastic bag may let dangerous germs flourish. “I believe it grows bacteria,” the TikHub user remarked.
Not only sit in the hot plastic chemically, but the old containers used to allow the chicken to sit above the fluids also carry bacterial contamination. I can’t understand it anymore.
More Costco customers have been discussing his allegation since some worry the new packaging would endanger their health. Experts caution, though, that this is not a straightforward problem.
Professional Notes on the Bacterial Issues
Professor and Head of the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of Georgia, Manpreet Singh, offered comments on the subject.
Singh clarified that various elements, including chicken handling after cooking, determine whether the packaging harbors more germs. Without further data, it’s hard to know if the new packaging is the cause of these concerns.
Although food safety and plastic packaging issues are legitimate, it’s noteworthy that the FDA approves every food packaging material used in the United States. The FDA controls packaging that comes into touch with food as occasionally toxins find their way into the food itself. Still, packaging materials are developed to satisfy rigorous safety criteria.
Previous Notes Regarding Costco’s Rotisserie Chicken
Costco’s rotisserie chicken has also been criticized before. Some patrons claimed to have become ill from eating the chicken last year and attributed it to an additive. Others said the taste had altered a few months before, characterizing it as “chemically.” Rotisserie chicken is still a mainstay for many Costco customers, even with these criticisms.
Safely Store and Eat Costco’s Rotisserie Chicken
Given the current issues, some customers are questioning how to handle Costco’s rotisserie chicken securely. The producer of the TikHub video proposed that bacterial development in the film may be caused by poor refrigeration. This started a social media debate on whether or not you should let the chicken chill before refrigeration.
Experts usually advise avoiding keeping cooked chicken out for longer than two hours. That window closes to one hour at temperatures over ninety degrees F.
Though it doesn’t need to reach room temperature, chicken should be chilled somewhat before refrigeration. The secret is to stay out of the “danger zone,” which spans 41°F to 135°F and hosts most fast-growing germs.
Should You Freeze the Chicken First?
Some Reddit users advise throwing the chicken immediately after purchase and keeping it in a glass, sealed container to stay out of this danger zone. Shredding helps the chicken cool faster, which facilitates refrigeration before dangerous germs have an opportunity to proliferate.
Others refrigerate the chicken immediately away and completely forgo chilling. This is regarded as safe, too, as the chicken is somewhat small and will not greatly influence the total temperature of the refrigerator.
Rotisserie chicken should be refrigerated in an airtight container and consumed within two days. If you do not want to use the leftovers immediately, it is advisable to freeze them. By following these guidelines, you can guarantee the chicken stays safe to consume and help stop the formation of bacteria.
For What Length of Time Is Costco’s Rotisserie Chicken Safe to Eat?
Once chilled, Costco’s rotisserie chicken can be safely stored for up to two days. Freezing the chicken is a sensible choice, though, if you doubt you will complete it within that period.
To stop the freezer burn, just be sure you keep it correctly in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator, then reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F to destroy any possible bacteria when ready.
Conclusion
Although some consumers have voiced worries about becoming sick from Costco’s rotisserie chicken following a packaging change, experts advise that it is difficult to pinpoint the precise source of these diseases.
Food safety is largely influenced by elements like handling and storage of the chicken. Following the highest standards for refrigeration and cooling will help to reduce the danger of bacterial development.
Costco has been selling rotisserie chickens in plastic bags in Canada for several years without any significant problems, implying that the packaging itself could not be a major concern.
Chicken should be safe to eat as long as consumers handle and store it correctly. Although changing to plastic bags is still a contentious issue, Costco’s rotisserie chicken may still be a quick and tasty dinner choice for many customers with correct food safety practices.
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