Costa Coffee controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
2023
Further dairy-farm welfare allegations
Viva! reported alleged rough handling and poor welfare at a farm supplying Costa and other customers. Costa said it investigated the supplier and found compliance with Red Tractor welfare standards.
2023
Fatal allergy incident and inquest findings
A 13-year-old girl died after consuming a hot chocolate from a Costa shop. The inquest found a failure of communication about the order and dairy milk, and concluded that allergy training provided to staff at the time was inadequate.
2022
Alleged abuse of dairy cows supplying Costa
A BBC Panorama investigation reported alleged abuse and inadequate care at a Welsh dairy farm supplying Costa. The allegations included physical violence, tail twisting and failure to provide appropriate care.
2019
Allegations concerning franchise-worker deductions
Media reports alleged that workers at some franchised Costa stores faced deductions involving wages, holiday pay, sick pay, tips and work outside contracted hours. Costa said franchisees managed those contracts and announced an independent audit.