OVERLAND PARK Kan. Applebee's International Inc. has switched to zero trans-fat frying oil in its 1,800-plus U.S. units and said it is "only weeks away" from changing to zero trans-fat pan and grill oil.
The new frying oil is a blend of two soybean oils that does not affect the taste, texture and quality of food and "even enhances the flavor of menu items," Applebee's president and chief executive Dave Goebel said in a statement.
The company also plans to work with food suppliers to convert or replace processed foods on the menu that contain trans fats.
Applebee's joins a growing number of chains that have eliminated trans-fat oils. KFC and Taco Bell, both owned by Yum! Brands Inc., made the switch in late April. McDonald's and Burger King both plan to eliminate trans-fat oils, and even such smaller chains as Black-eyed Pea, Buca di Beppo and Bruegger's bakery-café have switched to trans-fat free cooking oil.
