Popeyes franchise owners are accused of buying bad chicken from an unapproved seller outside the official supply system. The Associated Press
A former chicken supplier for Popeyes in Ontario has accused the fast-food chain of buying unsafe chicken. The supplier says some chicken came from an unapproved seller working out of residential garages. This seller did not follow food safety rules. Some of the chicken was described as “rotten” and “unsafe” for eating.
Popeyes denies these claims. The company says it found no proof of such problems.
What the Lawsuit Says
The lawsuit, filed in Ontario’s Superior Court on May 26, names Popeyes and its parent company, as well as the supply chain manager and several franchise owners. The former supplier, ADP Direct Poultry Ltd., says it lost its contract with Popeyes after reporting these safety concerns.
The claim says the unapproved supplier stored chicken without proper refrigeration and moved it in regular vehicles, which could spoil the meat.
The chicken did not undergo official inspections by food safety agencies. ADP also claims some franchisees kept using this chicken even after the problems were reported.
Popeyes’ Response
Popeyes spokesperson Emily Ciantra said, “We believe this former supplier is lashing out after losing our business for a variety of legitimate reasons.” She added the company investigated and found no evidence supporting the claims. Popeyes said they require franchisees to buy from approved suppliers who follow strict food safety rules.
How ADP Discovered the Issue
ADP learned about the unauthorized supplier after receiving complaints about its own chicken. This led ADP to investigate and find out about the unapproved seller. The lawsuit also accuses the supply chain manager of secretly arranging deals with franchisees to use unauthorized suppliers.
Damages and Claims
ADP asks the court for $35 million from Popeyes, its parent company, and the supply chain manager. The claim covers issues like breach of contract, negligence, and lost business. ADP also seeks money from the unapproved supplier and the franchise owners.
Background on ADP and Popeyes
ADP started supplying chicken to Popeyes in 2021 and got reapproved as a supplier in late 2022. The company kept supplying chicken, expecting to continue through 2025 and 2026. However, after ADP raised concerns about food safety, the supply relationship ended in December 2024. ADP claims Popeyes and others made false complaints to remove it from the system.
ADP says it spent money preparing for future orders and lost chances to work with other fast-food chains.
Popeyes’ Food Safety Promise
Popeyes says it always follows strong food safety rules. The company uses independent checks to make sure suppliers meet its standards.
A former Popeyes chicken supplier in Ontario says the chain bought unsafe chicken from an unapproved seller. The supplier lost its contract after reporting these problems. Popeyes denies the claims and says it has strict food safety rules. The case is now in court with millions in damages sought.
