Headlines
Hyderabad NGO moves Lok Ayukta for action against KFC
Hyderabad, June 26
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.