KFC outlet in Mangaluru raided: Chicken stored unhygienically, notice served

Food safety officials in Mangaluru have accused a KFC outlet at City Centre Mall, off K.S. Rao Road, of failing to store chicken in a hygienic manner in its cold storage section. The action came following a consumer complaint that the outlet sold stale food, prompting a raid on Saturday.

The raid was led by District Food Safety Officer Praveen and his team, acting on the direction of Health Minister U.T. Khader. According to the Minister's office, a consumer had complained that Chicken Peri Peri Legs purchased online from the outlet were stale and had an unpleasant taste. The complaint was forwarded to the Food Safety Department, which initiated an inspection.

During the raid, officials entered the cold storage area and reported a foul smell. They found different types of chicken, including those meant for ready-to-make dishes, stocked together under conditions that did not conform to prescribed hygiene standards. The team collected samples of the chicken and sent them to the government laboratory in Mysuru for analysis.

The outlet staff were directed to immediately clear the existing chicken stock and thoroughly clean the cold storage area. A notice was served under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, requiring the outlet's management to appear before Additional Deputy Commissioner K. Raju on Monday, August 17. The Additional Deputy Commissioner is the designated district officer adjudicating cases investigated by the Food Safety Department.

This incident highlights the importance of strict compliance with food safety regulations, particularly for establishments that handle perishable items like poultry. The Food Safety and Standards Act lays down specific requirements for storage, temperature control, and hygiene to prevent contamination and ensure consumer safety. Violations can lead to penalties, suspension of licences, or legal action depending on the severity of the lapse.

The government laboratory in Mysuru will test the samples for microbial contamination, spoilage, or any other parameters that could indicate health risks. The results are expected to guide further action. Until then, the KFC outlet has been allowed to operate, subject to compliance with the cleanliness directives issued during the raid.

Officials have also urged consumers to report any issues related to food quality and hygiene through the designated helplines or directly to the Health Department. Prompt reporting enables authorities to conduct timely inspections and take corrective measures, thereby protecting public health.

The KFC franchise has not yet issued an official response to the allegations. However, the management is expected to present its side before the adjudicating officer on the scheduled date. The outcome of the lab tests and the subsequent proceedings will determine whether any further punitive action is warranted.

This case serves as a reminder to all food business operators in the region to strictly adhere to the Food Safety and Standards Act. Maintaining proper cold chain logistics, labelling, and storage conditions is not just a legal obligation but a critical aspect of consumer protection. The district administration has stated that it will continue to conduct surprise inspections to enforce compliance across eateries and food outlets.