A Texas couple is suing Popeyes, its parent company Restaurant Brands International and a franchise operator for more than $1.5 million after allegedly discovering a foreign object inside a piece of fried chicken.
Justin Howard and Danielle McKinnon claim the incident turned what was supposed to be an ordinary family meal into a deeply distressing experience.
Their lawsuit, filed in Harris County District Court on August 3, accuses the companies of negligence and violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act.
The law prohibits businesses from engaging in false, misleading or deceptive practices involving consumers.
Alleged Incident at Houston Restaurant
According to court documents, the incident happened on July 25 at a Popeyes restaurant located on 7416 S. Sam Houston Parkway West in Houston, Texas.
Howard allegedly bit into a piece of fried chicken before noticing what appeared to be a “condom-like” foreign object embedded in the food.
The discovery reportedly caused the customers to stop eating, with the lawsuit stating that they became nauseated.
The plaintiffs say the object was sufficiently disturbing that they immediately returned to the restaurant to report what had happened.
Customers Claim Restaurant Response Was Inadequate
The lawsuit alleges that restaurant management offered to replace the chicken but did not initially provide a refund.
According to the petition, Howard and McKinnon received their money back only after repeatedly requesting it.
The customers claim the response demonstrated what they describe as “conscious indifference” toward consumer safety.
They allege that the situation was minimized rather than treated with the seriousness they believed it warranted.
Court documents state that the discovery “instantly transformed” their family meal into what they characterized as a frightening and disturbing event.
Popeyes Says Object Was Likely a Glove
Popeyes has disputed the customers’ apparent characterization of the object.
In a statement to USA Today, the company said it reviewed extensive internal video footage and concluded that the foreign material was likely a restaurant glove that had fallen into the batter.
The fast-food chain acknowledged that the incident was unacceptable and said it had apologized to the customer and provided a refund.
Popeyes also emphasized that the incident did not represent the standard of service and food experience the company aims to provide.
Lawsuit Raises Contamination Concerns
Howard and McKinnon say the alleged discovery left them worried about possible exposure to harmful contaminants.
Their legal filing cites concerns about bacteria, viruses, bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids and sexually transmitted diseases.
The plaintiffs argue that such fears should never arise from a meal purchased at a restaurant and are seeking more than $1.5 million in damages from the companies involved.
Legal Battle Now Underway
The lawsuit places responsibility on Popeyes, Restaurant Brands International and the franchise operator while the parties dispute what the foreign object actually was and how it entered the food.
The court case is expected to examine the restaurant’s food-handling procedures, the circumstances surrounding the alleged contamination and the company’s response once the customers reported the discovery.
At this stage, the allegations contained in the lawsuit have not been proven in court.
