HC moved to shutdown KFC products

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Citing reports about bacteria in samples of products sold by Kentucky Fried Chicken, a petition has been filed in the Madras High Court bench here seeking a direction to Union and Tamil Nadu governments to cancel or withdraw licenses given to 'YUM' products such as 'kurkure', KFC, Heavens Chicken and Marry Brown. KFC is part of YUM! Brands. 

Petitioner R Devarishi, a city-based advocate, wanted a preliminary inquiry into the ingredients of the eatables and to shutdown the wholesale and retail outlets if proved positive.

He said Balala Hakkula Sangam, an NGO, had approached the Lokayukta in Hyderabad seeking the Telegana and Andhra Pradesh governments to close down the KFC outlets as some of the samples were found to have E-coli and Salmonella bacteria.

Though the company had denied the claim, the Lokayukta had issued notice seeking a report by August 5 next.

Reacting to the petition filed, Yum! Brands has refuted the claims made by the petitioner and said, "We are aware of the issue in Hyderabad, where false claims have been made against the brand by an organization. We strongly refute the allegations made against us. We are cooperating with the authorities to resolve this matter, and are taking necessary legal action to protect our brand reputation from vested interests spreading misinformation.

There is no possibility of any microbial development in our food, which is freshly cooked at 170 degrees Celsius. Our food items are perishable, and meant for immediate consumption.”

The samples were taken from five outlets in Hyderabad on June 18 this year and A.V.Krishnakumari, a food analyst, had confirmed the presence of E.Coli and Samonella bacteria, the petition claimed.

The petitioner sought a direction to collect the samples of YUM products in Tamil Nadu and send them to the laboratory for test reports within a time frame for further course of action, the petitioner said.