KFC uses GM soybeans to make soy milk in China says review website

Want China Times, Staff Reporter 2014-02-23

A screenshot of the webpage of the review website, featuring the headline
"Genetically modified Soybean milk is closer than you think." (Internet photo)

Fast food chain KFC in China is suspected of using genetically-modified soybeans in its soy milk, said a Chinese inspection and testing institute and a product-review website reports Shanghai-based China Business News.

The product review website, Huajiao, worked with a third-party inspection and testing institute, Centre Testing International, to examine the soy milk of four chain restaurants — KFC, 7-11, McDonald's and Yonghe King — in the country.

If a product uses genetically-modified soybeans during food preparation or processing, it should be labeled clearly, said assistant professor Zhu Yi with the School of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering at China Agricultural University. Most of the genetically-modified soybeans were imported. They are only allowed to be used to make soybean oils and fodder and are banned from food, strictly speaking. Using them to make soybeans thereby would be considered illegal, said Zhu.

The KFC said it has begun examining its foods in response to the allegations. Its soybean powder suppliers have made a written announcement to assert that it does not use genetically-modified soybeans and said its raw materials were soybeans produced in China's northeastern regions. It welcomes third-party examination but cast doubt on the website's samples, the quality of Centre Testing International's tests and the report.

The fast food chain has reported Huajiao's video to Chinese authorities as a precautionary measure.