KFC's decision to cut the trans fats in most of its products is a victory for the fast food consumers who increasingly want convenience as well as healthy meals.
The restaurant chain, formerly known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, will switch to zero trans fat soybean cooking oil at all of its 5,500 restaurants by spring. It will cook its Original Recipe and Extra Crispy chicken, Potato Wedges and other menu items in a healthy alternative. It has yet to find one for its biscuits, according to an Associated Press account of the company's press conference.
Trans fat is so common that the average American consumes 4.7 pounds of it a year. Health experts say it contributes to higher cholesterol and could contribute to heart disease.
The decision comes as New York City officials hold hearings on whether to ban restaurants from serving food containing artificial trans fats.
KFC was sued over the trans fat content of its chicken in June by the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Wendy's made the change a few years ago. McDonald's said it would follow suit in 2003 but has yet to do so.
