Hyderabad NGO Moves Andhra Pradesh Lok Ayukta for Action Against KFC

An Andhra Pradesh based NGO, working for the protection of child rights, collected five samples from five Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) outlets in Hyderabad and got them tested at Telangana State Food Laboratory. These food samples were found to have E.coli and salmonella bacteria. Following this the NGO approached Lok Ayukta seeking orders to the governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to close down the fast food outlets. KFC, however, has denied the allegations as 'false' and said that there was no possibility of any microbial development in its food which is freshly cooked at 170 degrees Celsius. Andhra Pradesh Lok Ayukta has issued notices to both the state governments asking them to submit a report by August 5, 2015. Achyuta Rao of Andhra Pradesh Balala Hakkula Sangham said, "We collected the samples and got the tests done as many children like KFC food. The samples were collected from KFC outlets at Himayatnagar, Vidyanagar, Chikkadpally, Nacharam and ECIL Cross Road on June 18, 2015. Since the samples were tested at a government-run laboratory and found to contain harmful pathogens, we have sought orders to close down KFC."

The report signed by food analyst A. V. Krishna Kumari confirmed the presence of both E.coli and salmonella bacteria and concluded that the food samples were unsafe for consumption. The analyst said, "I am of the opinion that the sample contains E.coli and salmonella which are pathogens and injurious to health. It is therefore unsafe."

KFC spokesman said, "This alleged report is a case of false allegation. We have no knowledge of the sample being collected from any of our stores and in what condition it has been transported for this alleged test. This is a perishable food item meant for immediate consumption. We have not received any intimation from any authority in this regard. Given this is an attempt to wrongly malign our brand reputation, we would strongly pursue this case and seek a clarification from the concerned authorities."

Achyuta Rao however maintained that the samples were sent within half an hour to the laboratory in the original packing. He said, "The veracity of the report cannot be questioned as the tests were done at a reputed government-run laboratory and many states send their samples here."

Source-IANS