Texas Couple Sues Popeyes Over Foreign Object in Chicken

A Texas couple has filed a lawsuit against Popeyes and several related companies. They allege they found a foreign object inside a chicken meal purchased at one of the chain’s Houston-area restaurants.

According to the lawsuit, Justin Howard and Danielle McKinnon purchased food from a Popeyes location on July 25, 2026. Furthermore, Howard claims he discovered what was described in court filings as a “condom-like foreign object” embedded inside a piece of chicken while eating the meal.

The couple says the discovery immediately caused concern that they may have already consumed contaminated food. They allege they became physically ill after realizing what they had found.

The lawsuit further claims restaurant employees did not initially handle the complaint appropriately. According to the filing, staff allegedly attempted to replace the meal rather than immediately investigate the incident or preserve evidence. The plaintiffs say they eventually received a refund after continuing to press the issue.

Howard and McKinnon are seeking more than $1.5 million in damages, including compensation for alleged medical expenses, emotional distress, lost wages, pain and suffering, attorney’s fees, and other related costs. In addition, they have also requested a jury trial.

Popeyes has denied the allegation. In a statement, the company said it conducted an extensive internal review, including examining surveillance footage, and found no evidence supporting the claim. However, the company stated the complaint was taken seriously. The customer received a refund, and the restaurant temporarily closed for additional employee training as a precaution.

The case remains pending, and the allegations made in the lawsuit have not been proven in court.