Hyderabad NGO moves Lok Ayukta for action against KFC

A city-based NGO on Friday approached Lok Ayukta seeking orders to the governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to close down Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) outlets as some samples collected from the fast food giant found to have E.coli and salmonella bacteria.

The company however denied the allegations as "false".

Andhra Pradesh Lok Ayukta has issued notices to both the state governments asking them to submit a report by August 5.

"Since the samples were tested at a government-run laboratory and found to contain harmful pathogens, we have sought orders to close down KFC," Achyuta Rao of Andhra Pradesh Balala Hakkula Sangham told IANS.

The NGO, working for the protection of child rights, collected five samples from five KFC outlets in Hyderabad and got them tested at Telangana State Food Laboratory.

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

Achyuta Rao said they 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.

KFC, however, dismissed the allegations.

"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," said a KFC spokesman.

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

The KFC, however, said there was no possibility of any microbial development in its food which is freshly cooked at 170 degrees Celsius.

"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," the spokesman added.