KFC Sues Three Chinese Firms for Six Wings and Eight Legs Rumors
KFC, the popular fried chicken restaurant chain is suing three Chinese companies for spreading false rumors on social media about its poultry having "six wings and eight legs".
According to the Wall Street Journal, the companies targeted by the lawsuit are Ying Chen An Zhi Chenggong Culture Communications, Wei Lu Kuang Technology, and Ling Dian Technology. The lawsuit accuses the companies of “misleading the consumer” by posting the inaccurate information on social media, in photos and in articles.
The case was filed in the Shanghai Xuhui District People's court this week. The move comes shortly after Chinese authorities relaunched a campaign "to clean up what they call online rumors, negativity, and unruliness." The campaign seeks to put an end to internet marketers that manipulate "online sentiment on behalf of clients by posting false information about competitors."
KFC is demanding 1.5 million yuan ($242,000) as well as an apology from each company for spreading the false information on popular mobile phone messaging app WeChat. KFC also wants the companies to "stop their infringements." KFC China's president Qu Cuirong tells the BBC, "This not only seriously misled consumers, but also hurt our brand."
KFC has been trying to reclaim its reputation in China since last year's meat scandal. In July, a number of chain restaurants in China, including KFC were sold expired meat by a supplier. Footage shows workers picking up the expired meat from the floor and throwing it into the processing machines.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the companies targeted by the lawsuit are Ying Chen An Zhi Chenggong Culture Communications, Wei Lu Kuang Technology, and Ling Dian Technology. The lawsuit accuses the companies of “misleading the consumer” by posting the inaccurate information on social media, in photos and in articles.
The case was filed in the Shanghai Xuhui District People's court this week. The move comes shortly after Chinese authorities relaunched a campaign "to clean up what they call online rumors, negativity, and unruliness." The campaign seeks to put an end to internet marketers that manipulate "online sentiment on behalf of clients by posting false information about competitors."
 |
| A KFC restaurant in China |
KFC is demanding 1.5 million yuan ($242,000) as well as an apology from each company for spreading the false information on popular mobile phone messaging app WeChat. KFC also wants the companies to "stop their infringements." KFC China's president Qu Cuirong tells the BBC, "This not only seriously misled consumers, but also hurt our brand."
KFC has been trying to reclaim its reputation in China since last year's meat scandal. In July, a number of chain restaurants in China, including KFC were sold expired meat by a supplier. Footage shows workers picking up the expired meat from the floor and throwing it into the processing machines.
