KFC to have bird flu commercials on the ready

In coming days, KFC will have television commercials ready to reassure customers that its chicken is safe to eat in the event of a bird flu outbreak.

The chicken chain said it hopes the spots never have to air, but it’s taking no chances in the face of a potential threat to business. Kentucky Fried Chicken and its parent, both based in Louisville, have spent months making plans to respond quickly in case of bird flu outbreaks in its markets worldwide. Executives have discussed the topic with government officials and outside health experts.

We’re keeping our fingers on the pulse of what happens day in and day out around the world. And we are taking action in terms of preparing for this in the event it becomes an eventuality in any market – said Jonathan Blum, spokesman for KFC’s parent, Yum Brands Inc.

In China, where KFC recently opened its 1,500th restaurant, Yum posted sharply lower sales growth in October. Yum has Pizza Hut restaurants in China, but the bulk of sales come from KFC. Yum reported that KFC sales in October were up 6 percent in the United States, where the company has detected no consumer backlash from media reports on concerns about bird flu. In recent months, KFC has shaken off a slump and taken an upward trajectory amid the success of its 99-cent Snacker sandwich and variety chicken bucket.

Source: MSNBC