Committee publication · Correspondence · 26 November 2025
Correspondence from KFC re Right to reply following 15 Oct session
From: Health and Social Care Committee
Inquiry: Food and Weight Management
Summary
KFC responds to comments made during the Health and Social Care Committee's 15 October Food and Weight Management Inquiry evidence session. The company denies challenging Gateshead Council's hot food takeaway planning policy, states it has never legally challenged any local authority over public health or planning matters, and clarifies that responding to public consultations is standard policymaking participation. KFC emphasises its reformulation efforts, noting 67% of its permanent menu is now non-HFSS, and highlights community and youth employment initiatives.
Key findings
- KFC denies any evidence of challenging Gateshead Council's hot food takeaway planning permission and requests clarification on what the committee reference relates to.
- Company states it has never legally challenged any local authority or taken council to court over public health or planning policy; responding to consultations is standard policymaking practice, not policy challenge.
- KFC reports 67% of permanent menu now classified non-HFSS (up from previous updates), on track to meet 70% target by year-end; development of non-HFSS burger aligns with legislative intent to incentivise reformulation.
- KFC has removed 13bn calories from fries, 8bn from removing full-sugar Pepsi, and reformulated multiple items including Krushems, Sundaes, Gravy, Hot Drinks, Cookies and buns.
- Hatch youth employability programme has supported 1,100 young people since 2022; 60% of 2024 completers were in employment, education or training three months later; KFC piloting DWP SWAP scheme in Liverpool and Essex.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
KFC, Gateshead Council, Health and Social Care Committee, Department for Health and Social Care, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Department for Work and Pensions, Planning Inspectorate, UK Youth
Notable line
“KFC has never legally challenged any local authority or taken any local council to court over its public health or planning policy.”
Key Quotes
“Having reviewed our activity in the Gateshead area, we have not been able to find evidence of a case or any activity from KFC.”
“KFC has never legally challenged any local authority or taken any local council to court over its public health or planning policy.”
“Our development of a non-HFSS product is fully in line with both the spirit and intent of the legislation and demonstrates a responsible shift towards innovation and reformulation of our food menu by providing healthier …”
“Our current policy is to amend our approach to restaurant openings in line with any local public health plans, and we have not pursued a policy of legally challenging councils on their decisions to restrict restaurant openings.”
“67% of our permanent menu is now classified non- HFSS, and we are on track to meet our target of 70% by the end of the year.”
“Since launching three years ago, Hatch has helped 1,100 young people across Greater Manchester, Middlesborough, the Northwest, the Midlands, the East of England, and Scotland.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗