KFC prepare ads in case of bird flu outbreak

KFC is preparing TV adverts to reassure customers that its chicken is safe to eat if there is a bird flu outbreak in the US.

The chicken chain, based in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, said today it hopes the adverts never have to air, but it’s taking no chances in the face of a potential threat to business.

“As our investors would hope, we are being proactive in preparing the materials in the event that we need to use them,” KFC spokesman Jonathan Blum said.

Kentucky Fried Chicken has spent months planning a quick response in case of bird flu outbreaks in its markets worldwide.

National Chicken Council spokesman Richard Lobb called KFC’s decision to have standby ads “wise and prudent,” but insisted there is no reason for concern of an outbreak in this country.

The United States will produce 9.5 billion birds this year and does not import any poultry from countries affected by the avian flu, he said.

“Even if we did have an outbreak, which is unlikely, it’s going to be very limited,” Lobb said. “And the number of birds involved will be very small.”

Currently, the virus is hard for people to catch, and most deaths have been linked to human handling of infected poultry. Vietnam, the country hit hardest by bird flu, yesterday reported its 42nd human death. World health experts warn, however, the virus could mutate into a form that’s easily passed from person to person, possibly sparking a global outbreak.