KFC
KFC Announces Switch to Zero Trans Fat Cooking Oil in Hawai‘i Following Two-Year Test to achieve
the Same Great Taste
All 27 KFC Restaurants in Hawai‘i Have Converted to the New Oil
HONOLULU, HI, May 1, 2007 – KFC Hawai‘i announced today it has successfully converted all of its 27 restaurants in Hawai‘i to a zero grams trans fat cooking oil. The new oil, a low linolenic soybean oil, replaced the partially hydrogenated soybean oil that was in use in KFC restaurants. The conversion, which follows over two years of extensive testing of oil options to identify the same taste profile, has also been implemented nationwide.
With the transition now complete, KFC's most popular signature products, including Original Recipe and Extra Crispy chicken, contain zero grams of trans fat. Other products that will have zero grams of trans fat are: Crispy Strips, Wings, Boneless Wings, Honey BBQ, Buffalo and Crispy Snacker Sandwiches, Popcorn Chicken, Twisters and Potato Wedges. Many KFC menu itemsalready contained zero grams of trans fat including all Tender Roast products, and many side dishes such as Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, Corn on the Cob and Coleslaw.
“We are thrilled to announce that KFC has switched to a zero trans fat cooking oil for all of our fried products,” said Steve Johnson, General Manager of Kazi Foods. “This conversion follows more than two years of extensive testing to identify an oil that provides all the same delicious taste as our original recipes with zero grams of trans fat. The great news is that KFC’s Original Recipe and Extra Crispy chicken, along with the majority of our menu items at KFC, will have the same delicious taste with zero grams of trans fat. This is a win-win for our customers.”
The KFC Hawai‘i franchise is owned and operated by Kazi Foods. There are 27 KFC restaurants in Hawai‘i: 19 on Oahu, 4 on Maui, 3 on the big Island and 1 on Kaui. The newest restaurant is located in the Ewa Pointe Marketplace in Ewa Beach on Oahu.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend minimizing the consumption of trans fat as part of a healthy diet. As a result, the announcement by KFC was praised by leading health officials, including Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, the 17th Surgeon General of the United States. “I congratulate KFC on their decision to switch to a zero trans fat cooking oil,” said Dr. Carmona. Trans fat has been shown to increase the risk for heart disease. The good news is that people can reduce their risk for heart disease through food choices and physical activity. I’m pleased that KFC is making significant changes to help Americans make healthier choices, and I encourage other companies to follow their lead.”
Johnson said that today’s announcement is the culmination of a two-year effort that has involved extensive research, development and testing. “We’ve tested a number of different oils and we’re pleased we have found one that keeps our chicken finger lickin’ good -- with zero grams of trans fat. Today’s announcement is a breakthrough because consumers are often times asked to compromise by choosing between eliminating trans fat, and better taste. We think Colonel Sanders would be proud that we have found a solution that keeps all the delicious taste of KFC’s Original Recipe chicken, while making the majority of our menu zero trans fat. ”
About KFC
KFC Corporation (www.kfc.com), based in Louisville, Ky., is the world's most popular chicken restaurant chain specializing in Original Recipe®, Extra Crispy™ and Colonel's Crispy Strips® with home-style sides, Honey BBQ Wings, and freshly made chicken sandwiches. Complete nutrition information is available at www.kfc.com and on restaurant brochures; these will be updated with the new trans fat information once the oil conversion is complete. KFC Corporation is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., Louisville, Ky. (NYSE: YUM.)
