KFC wants rumors over mutant chickens stopped; sues Chinese companies

Yum Brands Inc's Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) has filed a lawsuit against 3 Chinese companies for spreading rumors that it has produced mutant chickens, one with 8 legs and 6 wings to fill up a whole chicken bucket meal.

Reports showed that Yum Brands has sued the Chinese businesses, filing appropriate lawsuits against them on grounds of spreading and publicizing false claims about Kentucky Fried Chicken's (KFC) food products and supplier practices.

KFC stressed that such rumors have led to the company's brand being tarnished, resulting to huge revenue losses. Yum's financial reports in the first quarter of 2015, indicated a 9% slide in net income as compared to its previous year. Currently, there are 4,600 KFC food outlets scattered all over China's cities and towns.

KFC stated that the businesses had spread rumors about the food chain's alleged 'mutant chickens' by posting images and articles across social media and blog sites on the internet.

Yum Brands Inc. filed lawsuits against Ying Chen An Zhi Chenggong Culture Communications Ltd., Wei Lu Kuang Technology and Ling Dian Technology, with the food chain seeking $245,000 compensation from each company, an apology and the willingness to stop all alleged rumors and practices.

The food chain's troubles started when Chinese media reported that a certain food supplier of Kentucky Fried Chicken in China had allegedly used growth hormones and antibiotics to speed up its chicken growth. The alleged claims spread like wildfire across the internet, reaching Chinese consumers concerned on food safety.

Chinese authorities investigated the issue and filed recommendations for KFC to extensively monitor their food supplier's practices with emphasis on poultry supply.

Earlier this year, Yum Brands' Chinese Chief Executive, Sam Su made a public apology to KFC customers after the Chinese probe team gave appropriate recommendations for the food chain to comply with.

The high-profile investigation resulted to widespread rumors on the internet about Kentucky Fried Chicken's alleged use of genetically-modified chickens, damaging the food chain's sales targets by a large margin, prompting KFC to file a lawsuit.