It is relatively well-established that Kentucky Fried Chicken (perhaps more commonly referred to as KFC) is one of the most popular fast-food restaurant chains in the country, and to a lesser extent, the world. After all, very few (if any) American citizens are unfamiliar with the over-commercialized image of an animated Colonel Sanders placed right next to the KFC logo written in large red letters. Indeed, busloads of people will agree that KFC’s infamous fried chicken is not something one should miss out on. Despite this, in 1999 a rumor began to circulate on the internet, stating that the U.S. government no longer allows KFC to officially refer its products as “chicken,” due to the fact that to reduce cost, KFC has begun to use genetically engineered creatures instead of natural chicken as its prime meat source.
The author of this unusual theory begins by stating that the University of New Hampshire has conducted a recent study, the results of which were supposedly much unexpected and rather unnerving. The author first states how the change from “Kentucky Fried Chicken” to “KFC” is very inexplicable, and thus somewhat suspicious. Then the article goes on to claim that the reason behind this is in fact because the “chicken” part of “Kentucky Fried Chicken” is no longer applicable. Apparently, KFC has begun using the meat of genetically engineered organisms, for the sake of cost reduction. Allegedly, these organisms vaguely resembled chickens, yet with no legs, no feathers, a miniscule skeleton, and not to mention numerous tubes attached to feed this bizarre organism blood and nutrients. The writing also goes on to state that the word “chicken” is in fact never used in either KFC commercials or on their menus. Finally, the author announces his/her concern for this matter, declaring that people should rise up and protest against this outrage for the sake of KFC using “real” chicken in its products.
An interesting theory, is it not? The story almost sounds exciting, as if taken directly out of a work of fiction. Unfortunately, though, it has long been proven to be nothing but just that—mere fiction. First sighted in 1999, this chain-mail rumor began to spread like wildfire across the Web. Faculty at the University of New Hampshire (UNH), were downright puzzled at the notion of such an absurd, fictitious study having been conducted on their grounds, according to one of the 1999 editions of USA Today. Hundreds of internet users, however, were more naïve upon viewing the hoax. According to the USA Today article, telephones at the University of New Hampshire were “lighting up like Christmas trees with people calling to find out more about this ‘horrible story.’”
The message, of course, contains many logical inconsistencies. Aside from the University of New Hampshire lie, may it also be clarified that (1) KFC changed its name for purely commercial reasons, and was not influenced by the U.S. government in any way. (2) The word “chicken” is actually used numerous times on commercials and menus, as well as KFC’s website. (3) KFC, like most (if not all) restaurants, never has and probably never will raise its own chicken, regardless as to whether they are genetically engineered or not. This is the job farms, not fast-food chains. (4) The notion of this genetic manufacturing is obviously implausible—in fact, even today’s most advanced biological laboratories are not capable of such outstanding feats of genetic engineering.
So, what was the source of this story, and what was the motive? Well, all fast-food chains are frequently portrayed in a bad light by many members of the general public. This letter, of course, is a quintessential example of this. At the same time, the person behind this scheme is yet undiscovered. To this day, nobody knows who the original author is, though many people who have received the chain email at its earliest stages have been identified.
In conclusion, although the theory is highly enticing, it was—and remains—nothing more than a well-orchestrated prank.
Some links: http://www.snopes.com/horrors/food/kfc.asp
http://www.kfc.com/global/
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/cceli008.htm
