Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Faces $35 Million Lawsuit Over Alleged Unsafe Chicken Practices in Ontario
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Faces $35 Million Lawsuit Over Alleged Unsafe Chicken Practices in Ontario
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, a popular fast-food chain known for its fried chicken, is embroiled in a significant legal battle in Ontario, Canada. A lawsuit filed on May 26, 2025, at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice accuses the chain of purchasing "unsafe" meat from an unauthorized supplier, Amjad Farooq Inc., which allegedly stored and packaged raw chicken in residential garages. The plaintiff, ADP Direct Poultry Ltd., a former supplier, claims this meat was sometimes "rotten or expired" and unfit for human consumption, posing a public health risk. The lawsuit names Popeyes, its parent company Restaurant Brands International (RBI), Restaurant Services Canada Inc. (RSCI), and several franchisees operating 24 restaurants in the Greater Toronto Area and Brampton.
Details of the Allegations
According to the statement of claim, ADP began supplying raw chicken to Popeyes in 2021 and was reapproved as an authorized supplier in December 2022. Despite assurances of a continued supply relationship through 2025 and 2026, ADP’s contract was terminated by RSCI on December 10, 2024, after the company raised concerns about the unsafe meat supply. The lawsuit alleges that Popeyes and its franchisees continued to use the questionable chicken, which was delivered in unrefrigerated vehicles, violating food safety standards. The plaintiff further claims that RSCI and franchisees made “false or misleading quality complaints” about ADP’s products to justify removing them from the supply chain, causing ADP significant financial losses.
The allegations state that the unauthorized supplier’s chicken was not inspected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency or municipal food inspectors, heightening the risk to consumers. ADP is seeking $35 million in damages, citing lost business opportunities and costs incurred to meet Popeyes’ orders.
Popeyes’ Response
Popeyes has denied the allegations, with spokesperson Emily Ciantra stating that the claims are unfounded. The company conducted an investigation and found “no evidence” to support the accusations of unsafe practices. Popeyes emphasized its commitment to rigorous safety standards, including regular third-party audits to ensure compliance.
Public and Community Reaction
The lawsuit has sparked significant discussion on platforms like X, with users expressing shock and concern over the alleged practices. Some have sworn off eating at Popeyes, while others have shared personal experiences of poor food quality at Ontario locations. For instance, posts on X highlight sentiments of distrust, with one user stating they will “never eat there again” after hearing about the lawsuit. Additionally, reviews on Tripadvisor from 2024 and early 2025 describe incidents of undercooked or spoiled chicken at Toronto Popeyes locations, further fueling public concern.
Broader Context
This is not the first time Popeyes has faced legal scrutiny. In 2011, a controversy arose in Toronto when Popeyes switched from hand-processed to machine-processed chicken, rendering it haram (forbidden) for some Muslim customers, leading to a decline in customers at certain locations. More recently, lawsuits in other regions, such as a 2022 class action in New York over misleading advertising of chicken tenders, indicate ongoing challenges for the brand.
As the case remains untested in court, the allegations raise serious questions about food safety practices in the fast-food industry. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for Popeyes’ operations in Ontario and beyond.
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