KFC challenges claims of presence of germs in its food

HYDERABAD: A local NGO has alleged that the products of fast-food giant KFC were unsafe for consumption, but the company refuted the charge saying it was an attempt to malign its reputation.

"Lab tests conducted by Bala Hakkula Sangham concluded that KFC (product) is harmful. It showed that harmful substances like E Coli and Salmonella (bacteria) were present in KFC (product)," Bala Hakkula Sangham (Andhra Pradesh Child Rights Association) president Anuradha Rao said in a media release here.

The samples were tested at a Telangana government laboratory, the NGO said today, adding that it had approached the Lokayukta with a request to direct the governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to initiate action against the company.

But KFC dismissed the allegation, saying it was an attempt to malign its reputation.

"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. In any case, there is no possibility of any microbial development in our food which is freshly cooked at 170 degrees Celsius. We would urge you to verify all the facts before reporting this matter. 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," a KFC spokesperson told.