Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is in some hot grease—and not the kind they use for frying chicken! The popular fast-food chain is catching major heat after allegations surfaced about where some of its chicken may have come from. And y’all… it allegedly involves raw meat being stored in garages!
The Streets Are Saying Popeyes Did What?!
A former supplier just hit the chain with legal action, claiming Popeyes looked the other way while raw chicken was being sourced from shady, un-inspected garages in Ontario. According to court docs filed on May 26 and first reported by The Globe and Mail, ADP Direct Poultry Ltd. accuses Popeyes of violating food safety standards and playing chicken with people’s health.
ADP, which used to supply raw chicken for Popeyes in Canada, claims their contract got cut right after they raised red flags about where the meat was really coming from. The lawsuit specifically calls out Amjad Farooq Inc., alleging they were storing chicken in people’s garages—with no proper refrigeration—and delivering it in vehicles that weren’t even cooled. And yes, the chicken reportedly skipped all food safety inspections. As in… it might not have even been safe to eat.
More Details On The Case
But it’s not just Popeyes getting called out. Restaurant Services Canada Inc., the logistics team behind Popeyes, is also named in the lawsuit, along with several Toronto franchisees. Both companies are accused of joining the chain in allegedly serving up the “unfit for human consumption” poultry to customers. However, Popeyes denied the claims, saying there is “no evidence” of these allegations.
“We believe this former supplier is lashing out after losing our business for a variety of legitimate reasons,” Emily Ciantra, Popeye’s director communications, told CTV News Toronto in a statement. “We have always been committed to rigorous safety standards, including regular inspections by third party auditors who verify our strict standards are being followed.”
What Happens Next?
ADP Direct Poultry Ltd. is seemingly coming for everyone’s pockets in this lawsuit. The company is demanding over $45 million in total damages. The supplier is suing Popeyes, Restaurant Brands International (RBI), and Restaurant Services Canada Inc. (RSCI) for $35 million, citing breach of contract and violations of the Competition Act. Court docs claim $30 million is for lost profits after ADP’s contract was originally set to run through 2027. However, it was suddenly cut short. Plus, another $5 million to cover costs from upgrading their facilities to meet Popeyes’ demand.
ADP also wants $1 million in punitive damages and is seeking at least $10 million more from the unauthorized chicken company, they say interfered with their business, along with $500,000 in aggravated damages. On top of that, they’re asking each franchisee involved to cough up $150,000 and provide receipts on how much “unsafe supply” they allegedly bought and profited from.
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