Kroger Using Trans Fat Free Oil To Prepare Fried Chicken
Every division in supermarket chain now uses trans fat free frying oil

CINCINNATI, OH, December 14, 2006 – In response to growing customer interest, The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) said today it is using trans fat free oil to fry chicken prepared in its stores.

“Our customers are interested in healthier options for their family meals and this is another example of how Kroger and our network of stores are providing them with more choices,” said Joe Grieshaber, Kroger's Group Vice President of Perishables.

Recent studies, including those by the Harvard School of Public Health, have found that diets high in trans fats can lead to increased risk of heart disease and other health issues. Trans fat is a type of fat that is formed when vegetable oils are hydrogenated. Trace amounts of trans fat occur naturally in all vegetable oils.

Kroger stores use a blend of non-hydrogenated vegetable oil that contains 0 grams of trans fat per serving. The trans fat free oil Kroger uses retains the flavor of chicken without compromising taste.

Fried chicken dinners, chicken wings and chicken tenders are all being prepared using trans fat free oil in Kroger supermarkets and stores owned by Kroger under banner names including City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's.

Mr. Grieshaber said Kroger is exploring other ways to reduce trans fats in other foods prepared in its stores.

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger is one of the nation's largest retail grocery chains. At the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company operated (either directly or through its subsidiaries) 2,473 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banners including Kroger and Kroger Marketplace, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Smith's and Smith's Marketplace, Fry's and Fry's Marketplace, Dillons, QFC and City Market. Kroger also operated (either directly or through subsidiaries, franchise agreements, or operating agreements) 774 convenience stores, 418 fine jewelry stores, 619 supermarket fuel centers and 42 food processing plants. For more information about Kroger, please visit our web site at www.kroger.com .

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Kroger contacts:

Media: Meghan Glynn (513) 762-1304

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