KFC suspends ‘finger lickin’ good’ slogan due to coronavirus
Fried chicken chain says slogan ‘doesn’t quite fit in the current environment’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.KFC has announced it will be suspending its slogan “finger lickin’ good” due to the current pandemic.
On Monday, the fried chicken chain said in a statement that it would not be using the slogan for the first time in 64 years because it “doesn’t quite feel right”.
“We find ourselves in a unique situation – having an iconic slogan that doesn’t quite fit in the current environment,” Catherine Tan-Gillespie, global chief marketing officer at KFC told CNN.
In the statement, the fast-food chain assured customers that the menu would not be changing and the recognisable slogan will return when the “time is right.”
The move comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised people against touching their eyes, noses and mouths amid the coronavirus pandemic.
In a YouTube video shared to the company’s UK and Ireland account following the announcement, KFC blurred the slogan on old billboards and buckets of chicken.
“That thing we always say? Ignore it. For now,” the video reads.
On social media, KFC’s announcement was met mostly with confusion, with many suggesting the decision was unnecessary.
“This is stupid. I believe it’s implied that the slogan refers to one’s own fingers,” one person tweeted, while another said: “Really? Isn’t that a little too much.”
However, as CNN noted, the suspension of the slogan is likely a marketing tactic.
The Independent has contacted KFC for comment.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments