Long John Silver’s announced its entire menu of fish, chicken, sides, and desserts now boasts zero grams of trans fat. Today’s announcement follows an LJS pledge last August to transition all of its U.S. restaurants to trans fat–free cooking oil by the end of 2013. The company changed its cooking oil to 100 percent soybean oil and made other menu adjustments to remove trans fat from its entire menu.
“We are very pleased to improve the health profile of our entire menu and transition all of our fried products to trans fat–free soybean oil,” says Mike Kern, chief executive officer. “Whether choosing delicious baked or our classic batter-dipped fried fish, our guests can order with the confidence that their food has zero grams of trans fat.”
“Long John Silver's successful transition from partially hydrogenated oils to trans fat–free alternatives is great news for its customers,” says Center for Science in the Public Interest executive director Michael F. Jacobson. “We were glad to work collaboratively with Long John Silver’s leadership team and are pleased that the company achieved its ambitious goal in six months’ time.”
The move to a menu with zero grams of trans fat is part of a broader evolution of Long John Silver’s to a more contemporary, relevant seafood brand and part of an overall goal to encourage Americans to consume more fish as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
“Seafood is a recommended part of a balanced diet,” Kern says. “And eliminating cooking oils with trans fat makes our fish an even better choice for our guests.”
Americans eat less seafood than citizens of many other nations even though nutrition experts recommend eating two servings of seafood per week. Long John Silver’s makes eating seafood convenient and affordable. With options like baked cod or shrimp and sides like green beans, corn, and rice, Long John Silver’s gives consumers many options to build a meal that meets their needs. Nutritional and ingredient information is available at the Long John Silver’s website, including a page dedicated to meals under 600 calories.
Recent additions to the Long John Silver’s menu include Ciabatta Jack Sandwiches—a fish sandwich served on a warm Ciabatta bun with a unique sauce—and Dippin’ Fish Strips—a new, more portable way to enjoy the classic batter-dipped fish.
