UNITED STATES: Popeyes Sued for $1.5M After Texas Couple Alleges They Found “Condom-Like” Object in Fried Chicken
Popeyes is facing a lawsuit seeking more than $1.5 million after two Texas customers say they found a condom-like foreign object inside a piece of fried chicken bought at a Houston restaurant. Justin Howard and Danielle McKinnon claim the discovery left them nauseated and deeply distressed
According to the Houston Chronicle, the couple bought chicken from the Popeyes at 7416 South Sam Houston Parkway West on July 25. The lawsuit, filed in Harris County District Court on August 3, names Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Restaurant Brands International, and franchise operator AAMANA Businesses.
The lawsuit alleges Howard bit into a piece of chicken and saw what appeared to be a “condom-like” object inside the meat. The pair say they immediately stopped eating and felt physically sick.
They also say they were frightened they may have already eaten contaminated food before noticing the object. The suit claims they couldn’t determine what the object was, how long it had been in the chicken, or whether the rest of their meal was affected.
The couple further alleges the experience got worse when they returned to the restaurant to complain. They claim employees laughed at them and that management first tried to just replace the chicken instead of addressing the issue.
They say they eventually got a refund after pushing the matter. They’re seeking compensation for medical expenses, physical pain, emotional distress, lost wages, legal fees, and other costs. They’ve also requested a jury trial.
Popeyes disputes the central claim. In a statement reported by PEOPLE, the company said it reviewed extensive internal video and found no evidence to support the customers’ allegation.
The company still called the incident unacceptable. According to the statement, the franchise issued a refund and closed the restaurant early for employee retraining as a precaution.
The lawsuit accuses the companies of negligence, poor food handling, and other failures. The customers also claim the chicken was not fit for consumption and that consumer protection laws were violated.
The case has not been decided, and the allegations made by Howard and McKinnon have not been proven in court. Popeyes’ review and the customers’ claims are now part of a legal dispute that could ultimately be decided by a jury.