KFC Dominica has moved to shut down a false claim spreading on social media that its stores would no longer serve customers under the age of 21, saying the image behind the rumour is fake.
The company issued a statement through its official social media channels after an image began circulating online suggesting the chain had introduced an age restriction on purchases. No such policy exists, KFC Dominica said, and the image was not produced or authorised by the company.
The fabricated notice appears to have been designed to look like a genuine KFC announcement, which is why it spread quickly among users who took it at face value. The company did not say how many people had seen or shared the image before it responded.
KFC Dominica urged the public to treat only information published through its official channels as accurate and to disregard the circulating image. The statement did not indicate whether the company intends to take further action over the matter.
The incident reflects a wider problem facing businesses and public institutions in Dominica and across the Caribbean, where screenshots and doctored images can travel through messaging apps and social media far faster than official corrections. For a small island community, where word of mouth carries weight, a false notice about a well-known brand can cause real confusion among customers and staff alike.
KFC is among the most recognised international food brands operating in Dominica, with a presence in Roseau that draws a steady flow of local customers and visitors. Any change to how it serves the public would be noticed quickly, which is likely why the fake image gained traction.
The company's response follows a familiar pattern used by firms confronting online misinformation: a short, direct statement issued where customers already gather, rather than a lengthy press release. By publishing through its own social media accounts, KFC Dominica was able to reach the same audiences that had seen the false image.
Residents who come across similar notices attributed to businesses, government offices or emergency services are advised to check the organisation's official pages before sharing. In Dominica, official alerts and public statements are routinely issued through verified channels, and unverified screenshots should be treated with caution.
KFC Dominica has not announced any change to its customer policy, and its stores continue to operate as normal. The company's statement closes the matter for now, though the fake image may continue to circulate among users who have not seen the correction.
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