DHAKA: The company that owns Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is facing new calls to stop using poultry that has been treated with antibiotics.

US consumer groups will deliver a petition signed by more than 350,000 people to Yum Brands on Wednesday, the BBC reports.

KFC has already promised to limit the use of human antibiotics in its chicken by next year.

However, critics claim the policy effectively allows for routine use of antibiotics by its chicken suppliers.

The chain does not allow the use of antibiotics to promote the growth of poultry in line with federal government rules.

A KFC spokesperson said it was reviewing whether it could force suppliers to go beyond Food and Drug Administration rules on antibiotics usage.

“KFC is lagging woefully behind - diners around the country want KFC to step up,” said Lena Brook of the Natural Resources Defense Council, which is one of the groups delivering petitions to KFC headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky.

The action comes a day after Yum investors submitted a proposal asking that the company to speed up plans to stop using antibiotics in its meat.

Other Yum brand chains - Taco Bell and Pizza Hut - plan to cut the use of chicken treated with antibiotics by early next year.

BDST: 1217 HRS, AUG 11, 2016
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