News

Health & Safety Update (November 2009)

KFC Facing 13 Food Hygiene Charges

Leading fast food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken is facing a high profile court case after one of its flagship restaurants was charged with several food hygiene offences.

Environmental health inspectors have claimed that cockroaches, mice and flies were found at the KFC branch in Leicester Square, central London,

Officials said a cockroach walked across a counter surface when they visited the branch and they added that a mouse ran across the floor and flies buzzed around their heads.

Among the other offences listed on official court documents were black sticky grease caking bread roll containers, trays of raw chicken, dirty cloths being used to wipe food preparation surfaces, and the alarming allegation of a one-metre pool of dried blood on the floor. The walls and shelves were also accused of being deeply-engrained with grime.

The allegations against the branch were outlined in court documents presented at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court after an inspection in August 2008.

KFC has pleaded not guilty to all 13 charges. The case will be heard on 22 February 2010.