From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Angela
Sent: Saturday, November 08, 2003 6:49 PM
To: The Sandbox Discussion List
Subject: RE: [Sndbox] Health-advocacy groups asks FTC to pull KFC ads
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Sandbox Mail List Administration
Sent: Saturday, November 08, 2003 5:30 PM
To: 'The Sandbox Discussion List'
Subject: RE: [Sndbox] Health-advocacy groups asks FTC to pull KFC adsWell, no, not really. Fried chicken is breaded and is high in carbs. Grilled on the other hand would be ok.Charles Mims
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Angela
Sent: Saturday, November 08, 2003 10:49 AM
To: The Sandbox Discussion List
Subject: RE: [Sndbox] Health-advocacy groups asks FTC to pull KFC adsI guess it would be good if you are on Atkins b/c according to the Atkins that is healthy as long as it's low in carbs.-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Charles
Sent: Saturday, November 08, 2003 10:36 AM
To: 'The Sandbox Discussion List'
Subject: [Sndbox] Health-advocacy groups asks FTC to pull KFC ads
Health-advocacy groups asks FTC to pull KFC ads
Associated Press Writer
Last update: 08 November 2003
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A health-advocacy group has asked the Federal Trade Commission to force the KFC restaurant chain to pull television ads promoting its fried chicken as a healthier fast-food alternative.
"These ads don't tell the truth," said Michael Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest. "These ads take the truth, dip it in batter, and deep fry it."
The nonprofit group, which advocates nutrition and food safety, said it filed the complaint Friday with the FTC, whose role includes preventing false and deceptive advertising.
An FTC spokeswoman would not confirm or deny whether the complaint was filed. When it gets a complaint, the agency studies the facts to determine whether to start an investigation.
KFC defended its new ad campaign, which debuted late last month.
"Our ads simply set the record straight by providing consumers the absolute facts about KFC's original recipe fried chicken, which can be part of a balanced, healthy diet," the company said in a statement. A KFC spokeswoman declined further comment.
In one ad, a couple trying to begin "eating better" sits down with a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken. Another ad implies that fried chicken can be part of the diet for those watching their intake of carbohydrates.
Both ads briefly flash disclaimers saying that fried chicken is not low in fat, cholesterol or sodium.
But the health-advocacy group said the disclaimers are "virtually illegible."
KFC's advertising also says two of its original-recipe chicken breasts have less fat than a Burger King Whopper.
One analyst was skeptical whether the new ad campaign was the right approach for KFC. "I personally think they should just stick to touting new products," said Jack Russo of A.G. Edwards & Sons.
KFC, a unit of Louisville-based Yum Brands Inc., has been struggling with slumping sales, which prompted a shakeup with a new president taking over the brand's U.S. operations. KFC's domestic same-store sales were flat in October, a better-than-expected performance.
The chain also has been targeted by animal-rights activists protesting the way its birds are treated and killed.
KFC has nearly 5,500 domestic stores with system sales of $4.8 billion. Its international business generated system sales of $5.4 billion at nearly 7,000 restaurants.
In trading Friday on the New York Stock Exchange, Yum shares rose 2 cents to $34.30.
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