KFC to Sell Meatless Chicken

Posted by Jill Harris Jun 5, 2008

In an unprecedented move stemming from years of pressure from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), Kentucky Fried Chicken - or “KFC” as they prefer to be called – have finally agreed to more humane slaughtering conditions and vegetarian menu options.

According to the Globe and Mail article, 461 KFC chains (of a total 786 in Canada) will offer “Chick’n” or “un-chicken”; vegetarian or vegan versions of their popular fried poultry. KFC has also agreed to switch to the most humane method of killing their chickens, which apparently is by gassing them.

The move to add vegetarian items to their menu will at least give herbivores an option when grabbing a bite with meat-eating family and friends. In most Canadian fast-food joints it’s difficult to find something meatless, with the exception of some French fries (those not cooked in animal fats) or an occasional slice of veggie pizza.

Veggie burgers have gained acceptance in some chains, like Harvey’s; though in others apparently support has not been so great (McDonald’s no longer carries their meatless version).

Will I be venturing out to the nearest KFC to try their un-chicken? Probably not. But at least if I’m stuck in a town somewhere that’s not veggie-friendly, I will have options. And maybe this is the first step to the ultimate humane fast food: the kind that doesn’t have to be slaughtered at all.