Hoyte v Yum! Brands, Inc.
Watchdog Group Attacks KFC on Use of Trans-Fat in Fried Chicken Recipe
The Center for Science in the Public Interest, a food industry watchdog group, is suing KFC over an allegedly serious health threat from KFC chicken, potato wedges, pot pies, and other dishes cooked with partially hydrogenated oil. The food industry watchdog group filed the class-action lawsuit against Yum Brands KFC unit for cooking chicken and other foods in oil that contains artery-clogging trans fat. The lawsuit seeks to end KFC's use of partially hydrogenated oil in fried chicken and other dishes.
CSPI Executive Director Michael Jacobson says the chain's use of partially hydrogenated oils turns healthy food into something that can take years off your life. "We're announcing a lawsuit being filed against Yum Brands, the owner of KFC restaurants, for preparing KFC's chicken, potato wedges, pot pies, and other dishes with partially hydrogenated oil. The problem with partially hydrogenated oil is that it is the major source in our diet of trans-fat, a potent cause of heart disease" said Jacobson.
If the lawsuit comes up short, the group wants the District of Columbia Superior Court, where the suit was filed, to order KFC to post signs notifying customers that many of the chain's foods are high in trans fat. Such artery-clogging fat is found in abundance in partially hydrogenated oil.
"Strict labeling requirements have reduced the popularity of trans fats in packaged foods, but restaurants don't have to adhere to the same rules," said Penny Kris-Etherton, a professor of nutritional sciences at Penn State University. "Most of the big restaurant chains remain major users of trans fats. However, Wendy's International Inc. recently said that it would begin frying its French fries and breaded chicken items with non-hydrogenated oil" continued Kris-Etherton.
"Partially hydrogenated oils are used extensively in the restaurant business because they have a long shelf life and are well suited for cooking crispy, crunchy foods" said Kris-Etherton. "Despite the versatility and pleasing taste of the oils, there is a broad scientific consensus that trans fats are unhealthy, contributing to high cholesterol and heart disease" she added.
The watchdog group is using a District of Columbia law that allows consumers to seek relief from the courts when companies fail to disclose essential facts about their products. The lawsuit asks for attorney's fees and monetary damages, which could amount to $1,500 per violation.
