KFC food samples contain harmful bacteria: Govt. report

In yet another case of food contamination, five samples from five different outlets of US fast food retail giant KFC have been found to contain harmful pathogens, salmonella and E Coli bacteria, reported TOI.

The Telangana State Food Laboratory (SFL), which conducted the test on the request of NGO Balala Hakula Sangham, called the samples "unsafe". The US fast food giant, however, rejected the findings and denied any knowledge of the samples being collected from its outlets.

The SFL is a part of the Hyderabad-based Institute of Preventive Medicine.

The report, dated June 24, filed by SFL food analyst AV Krishna Kumari said: "I am of the opinion that the samples contain E.Coli and salmonella, which are pathogens and injurious to health. It is, therefore, unsafe."

"We took the samples from Himayatnagar, Vidyanagar, Chikkadpally, Nacharam and ECIL X Road on June 18 and sent it to the state food laboratory the same day in packed and sealed condition in the original KFC snack box," Anuradha Rao, president of the NGO, told TOI.

KFC in turn questioned the conditions under which the samples were taken for the test. KFC further said it did not receive any intimation from any authority over the issue.

It said in a statement: "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."

On Thursday, the NGO at a press conference quoted the report where FSL food analyst AV Krishna Kumari specifically sought to clear doubts of any tampering by stating: "Sample received in sealed and labeled card box kept in brown colour paper."

While the NGO sought an immediate ban on KFC products, K Balaji Raju, the designated food safety officer (DFSO) in charge of central zone of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) clarified that his department cannot take action if food samples are tested independently by an NGO.

"Only when the food samples lifted by our department turns out to be positive in food safety lab for any contamination, it can result in an action against the defaulter from our side," he said.

KFC claimed it maintains the highest standards of hygiene.
(Image: Reuters)