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Burger King Testing Trans Fat-Free Cooking Oils

But Widespread ADoption Still Two Years Olff

February 1, 2007

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Burger King is the latest fast-food operation trying to jump on the trans fat-free bandwagon.

The chain has begun what it calls in-restaurant testing with several trans fat-free cooking oils, according to John Schaufelberger, vice president of product marketing and innovation. And he says the company is on track to begin a national rollout of trans fat-free cooking oils by late 2008.

"We have been working for more than two years to identify trans fat-free cooking oils," said Schaufelberger. "Our goal has been to identify trans fat-free oils that allow for the same great taste and texture quality.

"We have done rigorous consumer testing and have narrowed our testing to a few oils that we're very pleased with. Our move to in-restaurant testing is a significant milestone for the Burger King system."

The non-profit Center for Science in the Public Interest notes that Burger King is a little late getting to the game.

Executive Director Michael F. Jacobson points out that many restaurants have largely eliminated trans fat. Among the big chains, Wendy's has switched to a healthier frying oil, and KFC and Taco Bell will eliminate trans fat from most of their foods by May.

"It's disappointing that Burger King is only beginning in-store testing and doesn't expect to begin a national roll-out for almost two years," said Jacobson. He recommends that consumers avoid eating deep-fried products at McDonald's, Burger King, and other restaurants unless they know the foods are made with trans-free oils.

The company says it will secure commitments from its suppliers for the alternative oils, after in-restaurant testing is complete, in order to ensure a full, continuous supply for its more than 7,500 restaurants in the United States and Canada.

"Before making promises to our consumers, we want to be certain that we could deliver the taste, texture and quality that our restaurant guests expect from the Burger King brand," Schaufelberger said. "We also wanted to ensure that the oils were a healthier alternative."

Burger King has said it intends to meet New York City trans fat-free requirements in advance of its national rollout.

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