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US Consumer Group Sues KFC Over Use of Trans Fat

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A U.S. consumer group has sued the operator of the fast-food Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant over the use of trans fat, which can clog arteries and cause other health problems.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest wants Kentucky Fried Chicken to stop using partially hydrogenated oil, which contains the trans fat, or display signs warning consumers of its use.

The group's executive director, Michael Jacobson, announced the lawsuit against parent company Yum Brands Inc. Tuesday at a news conference in Washington.

Kentucky Fried Chicken did not immediately comment on the lawsuit.

The Wendy's fast food restaurant said last week it was switching to a healthier cooking oil, while McDonald's pledged in 2002 to cut trans fat, but has not done so.

The American Heart Association, which promotes cardiovascular health, says evidence suggests trans fat raises "bad" cholesterol and lowers "good" cholesterol levels, leading to the artery blockages and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Some information for this report was provided by Reuters.

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