By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-13 21:28:40 | Updated at 2026-08-13 23:22:08
4 hours ago
Two customers expecting a routine meal at Popeyes say they were left horrified after allegedly finding a 'condom-like' object embedded inside their fried chicken.
Now Justin Howard and Danielle McKinnon, of Texas, are suing the fast-food giant, its parent company Restaurant Brands International and a franchise operator for more than $1.5 million over the alleged discovery.
'The discovery instantly transformed what should have been an ordinary family meal into a deeply disturbing and frightening event,' Harris County District Court documents obtained by USA Today state.
The lawsuit was filed August 3, accusing the companies of negligence and violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act (DTPA).
The law protects Texas consumers from false, misleading or deceptive business practices.
Popeyes told USA Today via email that it reviewed 'extensive internal video' and determined the object was likely a restaurant glove that fell into the batter.
The company said the incident was 'not acceptable' and that it issued the customer a refund and apology.
Popeyes added that the incident 'does not reflect the excellent experience that we strive to deliver.'
Two customers expecting a routine family meal at Popeyes say they were left horrified after allegedly finding a 'condom-like' object embedded inside their fried chicken
Justin Howard and Danielle McKinnon, of Texas, are suing the fast-food giant, its parent company Restaurant Brands International and a franchise operator for more than $1.5 million over the alleged discovery
Popeyes and Restaurant Brand International didn't immediately respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment.
The incident allegedly occurred on July 25 when Howard and McKinnon entered the Popeyes on 7416 S. Sam Houston Parkway West in Houston, according to the petition obtained by the outlet.
Howard allegedly discovered the 'condom-like' object when he took a bite of the chicken and 'immediately discovered what appeared to be a condom-like foreign object embedded within the chicken itself.'
The plaintiffs stopped eating and became nauseated after discovering the object, according to the court filing.
Howard and McKinnon then returned to the restaurant, where management allegedly offered to replace the chicken but only refunded them 'after persistence,' the petition states.
The lawsuit claims the restaurant's handling of the incident showed a 'conscious indifference' to customer safety, alleging that minimizing the situation was prioritized instead.
Howard and McKinnon say they fear they may have been exposed to infectious contaminants, bacteria, viruses, bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids or sexually transmitted diseases.
'No customer should ever be faced with these fears,' the petition states.
