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Long John Silver's commits to transfat-free menu

August 29, 2013

After receiving a barrage of negative publicity for its Big Catch meal, which was deemed the "Worst Restaurant Meal in America" by the CSPI for being cooked with transfat oil, Long John Silver's announced Wednesday that it is switching all U.S. units to transfat-free cooking oil.

Long John Silver's restaurants in states or cities with transfat-free laws converted several years ago, and the remainder will be fully transfat free by the end of this year, the company said in a news release.

Next month, Long John Silver's restaurants that are transitioning will begin using transfat free cooking oil for non batter-dipped products. This includes french fries, hushpuppies, clams, crab cakes, catfish and all breaded seafood products. Many locations will complete the transition later in the fall so that by the end of 2013, all U.S. locations will be using transfat-free cooking oil for all fried products.

"The move to trans fat free cooking oil is part of the evolution of Long John Silver's to a contemporary, relevant seafood brand which we began in 2012 after becoming an independent company," said Mike Kern, CEO of Long John Silver's. "We have been launching new flavors, new products and new ways to enjoy Long John Silver's including the upcoming launch of a specialty, classic fish sandwich on Sept. 2."

CSPI, which threatened to press the Food and Drug Administration to take regulatory action against the chain, applauded the announcement.

"We are glad that Long John Silver's will, by the end of the year, transition to a trans-fat-free oil for frying," said CSPI Executive Director Michael F. Jacobson. "We appreciate the speed and seriousness with which Long John's Silver's leadership addressed our concerns and made this important change for the better."

Since its divestiture from Yum! Brands in 2011, Long John Silver's has made numerous menu changes, including adding more baked items.

In September, Long John Silver's will roll out its new Ciabatta Jack Sandwiches, featuring either whitefish or chicken, for $1.99. The chain also includes a selection of meals for under 600 calories on its website.

Read more about health and nutrition initiatives.