A doctor's warning about a popular grocery store item has gone viral on Instagram.
Racking up 1.4 million views, Dr. Tania Elliott (@drtaniaelliott), a dual board-certified allergist and immunologist, revealed four reasons why she avoids rotisserie chicken, citing concerns over its packaging and the potential presence of harmful ingredients.
In a viral video, Elliott, who is based in New York, picks up a rotisserie chicken in a store and explains why hot food in plastic packaging is problematic. She also highlights concerns about the additives and preservative solutions injected into pre-cooked poultry.
"The chicken is in a plastic bag and under a heat lamp. Heating plastic can leach chemicals into your food," she told Newsweek.
The Dangers of Plastic and Heat Exposure
A December 2024 study published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety found that frequent plastic exposure may increase the risk of heart disease. Animal research also suggests that even brief contact between hot food and plastic can harm heart tissue and gut bacteria.
While more research is needed, experts recommend:
Newsweek also reached out to Aminha Taariq-Sidibe, manager of End Plastic Initiatives at Earthday.org, for insight.
She explained: "Rotisserie chicken is especially problematic because heat speeds up the leaching process. Plus, the chicken remains in contact with plastic for an extended period. The fats or acids in the oily chicken skin and marinades can further increase the migration of plasticizers and other chemicals."
What's in Your Rotisserie Chicken Packaging?
Taariq-Sidibe warns that rotisserie chicken containers are often made from the following plastics, which can release chemicals when exposed to heat or fatty foods
Concerns About Additives in Rotisserie Chicken
While carrageenan may support gut health by increasing Bifidobacterium levels, research links it to gut inflammation. It can:
People with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) are especially at risk.
Instead of buying rotisserie chicken, Elliott suggests a healthier alternative: Buy raw chicken and roast it at home with olive oil, lemon, salt, and pepper for a safer and healthier meal.
So far, the February 10 video that was filmed in Costco has received almost 16,000 likes and over 680 comments.
"Yikes, is nothing safe?" said one user and another wrote: "Everything we buy from the store is in plastic. So no peanut butter, cereal, chips, laundry soap, bacon...everything."
"The chickens at my Costco are sold and consumed before chemicals are released. They aren't under lights longer the 2 minutes!" said a third user.
Newsweek reached out to Costco via their online form.
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