Kerre Woodham: Rebels stick it to food police

KFC's latest creation caused a stir. Photo / Natalie Slade

I would have gone to my grave being a KFC virgin were it not for Robyn Toomath and the Fight the Obesity Epidemic group.

But thanks to the righteousness of the food police, this week I joined thousands of Kiwis and sunk my teeth into the Double Down - a bunless burger comprised of bacon and cheese sandwiched between two chicken fillets.

In the lead-up to the Double Down's invasion of these shores, nutritionists were on the warpath, calling for the burger to be banned or at least have restrictions applied so as to protect the vulnerable.

Being told that food was "dangerous" was anathema to those who regard themselves as having an ounce of common sense, hence the queuing outside KFC's door.

Just for the record, I could only manage a half and it was tasty enough but I think it'll be a one-off.

My son-in-law to be made his own tastier (and healthier) version and I'll stick with his secret herbs and spices and forego the Colonel's.

News of the Double Down's debut would have warmed the cockles of a PR girl's heart - the coverage was as saturated as the fat in the burger.

Commentators have decried the media for playing into KFC's hands but the food police have only themselves to blame.

I'm absolutely certain it was their emotive tosh that saw so many food rebels stick two fingers to the righteous.

In other countries, young men have to take up arms or stand in front of tanks - we're lucky that here in New Zealand, buying a Double Down counts as fighting for political freedom.