KFC is to sue three Chinese companies for spreading false rumours about their food.
The firms have been accused of using social media sites to say that chickens used by the company were genetically modified to have six wings and eight legs. KFC is looking for compensation of 1.5 million yuan ($242,000 or £159,000) and an apology.
A case has now been filed before a court in Shanghai.
Qu Cuirong, KFC China's president said, "This not only seriously misled consumers, but also hurt our brand"
KFC has named the original posters as Shanxi Weilukuang Technology Company Ltd, Taiyuan Zero Point Technology Company and Yingchenanzhi Success and Culture Communication Ltd. They have not commented on the court complaint.
