All the 1,000 KFC outlets in China have been operating normally, said J. Samuel Su, president of Yum!Brands International Greater China, in an interview with Xinhua on Wednesday.

Su admitted there was a decrease in the number of customers at some KFC outlets because of the outbreak of bird flu in some areas of China, but insisted chicken meat served at KFC outlets are safe as bird flu could not be spread via thoroughly cooked chicken meat or egg products.

Su explained that authoritative organizations including WHO have proved that high temperature is one of the most effective ways to kill avian flu virus, and all chicken meat products served at KFC are processed for two and a half minutes to 14 minutes under a temperature of over 170 degrees Celsius.

KFC outlet operators in China have been paying close attention to the development of the epidemic since it was first reported in the country and have taken every measure to halt any possible infection at all points, said Su.

He said he was confident that with the effective measures adopted by the Chinese Government, bird flu would soon be brought under control in the country.

Louisville, Kentucky-based Yum! Brands Inc. also owns Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Long John Silvers and A&W All-American Food, in addition to KFC.
 
(Xinhua News Agency February 5, 2004)