Popeyes supplier accused of selling ‘unsafe’ chicken stored in garages to Ontario restaurants [Video]

A former chicken supplier is taking legal action against Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, alleging the fast-food chain allowed franchisees across Ontario to buy raw poultry from an unauthorized source that was storing and packaging meat in residential garages.

The lawsuit, filed May 26 in Ontario Superior Court by ADP Direct Poultry Ltd., also names Restaurant Brands International, which owns Popeyes, and its supply chain partner, Restaurant Services Canada Inc.

ADP claims it lost its supply contract after raising concerns about food safety practices involving an unapproved third-party distributor.

Court filings allege that some franchisees purchased chicken from the unauthorized source because of lower prices, even though the meat was, at times, expired, improperly stored and delivered without proper refrigeration.

ADP says the franchisees continued to sell the product despite being notified that it did not meet food safety standards. Popeyes is alleged to have required franchisees to use only approved suppliers …