Food samples collected from KFC contains harmful pathognes in Telangana

The Telangana State Food Laboratory (SFL) has found samples collected from KFC outlet containing harmful pathogens, salmonella and E.Coli bacteria.

The state food safety laboratory 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.

"I am of the opinion that the samples contains E.Coli and salmonella, which are pathogens and injurious to health,” shared AV Krishna, Food Analyst, SFL which is a part of Hyderabad-based Institute of Preventive Medicine.

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." Adding to the same line, Anuradha Rao, President, Balala Hakula Sangham, commented, "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.”.

The NGO also said in the report that the "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 added.

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.