In an effort to ensure tomorrow's children have "trans-fat-free future[s]," the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) filed suit June 12 against fast-food operator Yum! Brands Inc., alleging its popular KFC chain's use of partially hydrogenated oil contributes to the nation's health problems.
According to the suit, trans-fat laded oil kills approximately 50,000 Americans a year. The lead plaintiff in the case, retired physician Arthur Hoyte, alleges the fast-food chain misleads consumers by selling harmful products without disclosing the potential risks at the point of purchase.
"...By frying in such a dangerous oil, KFC is making its unsuspecting consumers' arteries Extra Crispy," said CSPI executive director Michael F. Jacobson. "CSPI would far prefer the trans-fat problem be solved through voluntary action by restaurants or regulatory action by the FDA, but neither industry nor government has acted. Hence this litigation."
The suit seeks to force KFC to use less harmful frying oil.
