That label said "fresh"—but what a Costco shopper found tells a different story
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Costco has long been a go-to for affordable bulk groceries, especially for older adults looking to stretch their dollar.
But one Florida chef’s disturbing online video is now raising eyebrows—and big questions—about the store’s meat labeling practices.
The footage has ignited a wave of speculation online, with viewers questioning what really goes on behind the scenes in the store’s meat department.
Chef Katie Cox was prepping a Mother’s Day meal when she unwrapped six racks of lamb she had just bought from her local Costco.
Instead of the savory aroma she expected, she was hit with a foul stench.
“If you shop at Costco, you need to watch this video,” she said—she peeled back the top label and uncovered a second expiration date underneath… one that had already passed.
Three of the six lamb racks were spoiled. When Cox returned to Costco, she claims she found at least 10 more packages in the meat section with similar double labeling.
Her video, which has racked up over 190,000 views, shows the original "sell by" date—nearly a week old—concealed under a new one.
What began as a Mother’s Day meal quickly turned into a food safety controversy.
But was this an isolated oversight, or part of a larger practice? Surprisingly, it depends.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food labeling must be “truthful and not misleading.”
Read also: This Costco find made one shopper $600 in no time
Retailers like Costco are not allowed to change dates set by the original manufacturer or federally inspected plant.
But if the store repackages meat themselves, they may legally add a new label—depending on local and state rules.
So while covering up a sell-by date with a fresher one may seem unethical or deceptive, it might not technically violate federal law—though it could breach local food safety regulations.
Many Costco fans were shocked and disappointed. One online user called it “Walmart behavior,” while others said they’d stopped buying meat at Costco due to poor packaging.
Some even said they’ve had the same experience with spoiled products but never thought to check the label beneath the label.
“I love Costco but this happened to me (smell) never thought about removing sticker. Took them back,” one commenter said.
Another shared: “I stopped buying the Costco meat bc it’s packaged so poorly [that] the chicken will have a hole in it all the time!”
Read next: Costco fans outraged: Popular food staple has changed—here’s what you need to know
Have you ever encountered spoiled meat, suspicious labeling, or shady grocery practices? Have you noticed declining quality at big-box retailers? Share your story in the comments below. Let’s keep each other informed—and safe—at the checkout line.
But one Florida chef’s disturbing online video is now raising eyebrows—and big questions—about the store’s meat labeling practices.
The footage has ignited a wave of speculation online, with viewers questioning what really goes on behind the scenes in the store’s meat department.
Chef Katie Cox was prepping a Mother’s Day meal when she unwrapped six racks of lamb she had just bought from her local Costco.
Instead of the savory aroma she expected, she was hit with a foul stench.
“If you shop at Costco, you need to watch this video,” she said—she peeled back the top label and uncovered a second expiration date underneath… one that had already passed.
Three of the six lamb racks were spoiled. When Cox returned to Costco, she claims she found at least 10 more packages in the meat section with similar double labeling.
One Florida chef’s disturbing online video is now raising eyebrows. Image source: Marques Thomas / Unsplash
Her video, which has racked up over 190,000 views, shows the original "sell by" date—nearly a week old—concealed under a new one.
What began as a Mother’s Day meal quickly turned into a food safety controversy.
But was this an isolated oversight, or part of a larger practice? Surprisingly, it depends.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food labeling must be “truthful and not misleading.”
Read also: This Costco find made one shopper $600 in no time
Retailers like Costco are not allowed to change dates set by the original manufacturer or federally inspected plant.
But if the store repackages meat themselves, they may legally add a new label—depending on local and state rules.
So while covering up a sell-by date with a fresher one may seem unethical or deceptive, it might not technically violate federal law—though it could breach local food safety regulations.
Many Costco fans were shocked and disappointed. One online user called it “Walmart behavior,” while others said they’d stopped buying meat at Costco due to poor packaging.
Some even said they’ve had the same experience with spoiled products but never thought to check the label beneath the label.
“I love Costco but this happened to me (smell) never thought about removing sticker. Took them back,” one commenter said.
Another shared: “I stopped buying the Costco meat bc it’s packaged so poorly [that] the chicken will have a hole in it all the time!”
Read next: Costco fans outraged: Popular food staple has changed—here’s what you need to know
