Pathogens found in KFC food samples; food chain rejects report

The report, dated June 24, filed by SFL food analyst AV Krishna Kumari states: “I am of the opinion that the samples contains E.Coli and salmonella, which are pathogens and injurious to health. It is, therefore, unsafe.” The SFL is a part of the Hyderabad-based Institute of Preventive Medicine (IPM).

HYDERABAD: Five samples from five outlets of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) have been found to contain harmful pathogens, salmonella and E.Coli bacteria. The Telangana State Food Laboratory (SFL), which conducted the test on the bidding of NGO Balala Hakula Sangham, called the samples "unsafe" even as KFC rejected the findings and denied any knowledge of the samples being collected in the first place. 

The report, dated June 24, filed by SFL food analyst AV Krishna Kumari states: "I am of the opinion that the samples contains E.Coli and salmonella, which are pathogens and injurious to health. It is, therefore, unsafe." The SFL is a part of the Hyderabad-based Institute of Preventive Medicine (IPM). 

"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," said Anuradha Rao, president of the NGO. 

The US fast food giant in turn questioned the conditions under which the samples were transported for the test. In a written statement, it 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." It added: "We have not received any intimation from any authority in this regard."

The NGO, at a press conference on Thursday morning, quoted from the report in which FSL food analyst AV Krishna Kumari specifically sought to clear doubts of any tampering by stating: "Sample received in sealed and labelled 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. 

On its part, KFC claimed that it maintains the highest standards of hygiene. "There is no possibility of any microbial development in our food, which is freshly cooked at 170 degrees Celsius," the KFC spokesman said.