Doctors' Group Sues McDonald's, Burger King, Outback, and Other National Chains Under California Law to Warn Consumers

WASHINGTON—Every sample of grilled chicken products from seven national restaurant chains tested positive for a dangerous carcinogenic compound called PhIP, prompting the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) to file suit under California’s Proposition 65 to compel the restaurants to warn unsuspecting consumers. PCRM is suing McDonald’s, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Chili’s, Applebee’s, Outback Steakhouse, and TGI Friday’s in The Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles.

PCRM commissioned an independent laboratory to test grilled chicken products from California outlets of all seven chains. PhIP was found in every grilled chicken sample from each restaurant where samples were collected. PhIP is one of a group of carcinogenic compounds called heterocyclic amines (HCAs) that are found in grilled meat. In 2005, the federal government officially added HCAs to its list of carcinogens, and PhIP has been on the California governor’s list of chemicals known to cause cancer for more than a decade.

“Grilled chicken can cause cancer, and consumers deserve to know that this supposedly healthy product is actually just as bad for them as high-fat fried chicken,” says PCRM president Neal Barnard, M.D. “Even a grilled chicken salad increases the risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and other forms of this lethal disease.”

For an interview with lead attorney Dan Kinburn, Dr. Barnard, or another PCRM spokesperson, contact Jeanne S. McVey at 202-686-2210, ext. 316, or jeannem@pcrm.org. 

Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit health organization that promotes preventive medicine, especially good nutrition. PCRM also conducts clinical research studies, opposes unethical human experimentation, and promotes alternatives to animal research.