Mangaluru KFC Outlet Shut Over 9-Month-Old Chicken, 81 Kg 'Expired' Meat Seized In Mysuru During Raid

Food safety officials in Karnataka have taken action against several food establishments after allegedly finding expired meat, chicken and other food items during inspections in Mangaluru and Mysuru.

A KFC outlet at City Centre Mall in Mangaluru was sealed after officials reportedly found chicken meat that had been stored for around nine months. The inspection was carried out by the Food Safety Division of the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department under the Health and Family Welfare Department after receiving a complaint by a customer.

Following the inspection, officials temporarily shut the outlet and initiated further action. Authorities are also examining how the allegedly expired chicken was stored at the outlet and whether food safety regulations were violated.

District Food Safety Officer Dr. Praveen Kumar C.H. said, "I received a complaint from the public. A customer purchased KFC Peri-Peri Chicken online from the K.S. Rao Road branch, complaining that it was foul-smelling, rotten, inedible, and made them feel like vomiting. We visited the KFC unit, including the kitchen where they prepare the chicken, the storage facilities, the cold storage, and the de-freezing area, and verified the oil used for frying the chicken. Upon verification, we found that they use frozen chicken, thawing it for 20 to 22 hours to bring it to normal room temperature before cooking. We have collected samples from the thawed chicken brought to normal temperature..."

He further added, "We have instructed the KFC outlet to shut down for thorough cleaning to maintain hygiene and to remove all foul-smelling, rotten, and spoiled materials. Only after this compliance have we directed them to reopen and serve chicken to the public..."

Meanwhile, food safety officials conducted raids at several hotels in Mysuru, including Rio Meridian, Grand Mercure and Q Star Hotel. During the inspections, officials reportedly seized expired chicken, meat and mushrooms.

A total of around 81 kg of food items was seized during the Mysuru raids. The inspections were conducted to check compliance with food safety, hygiene and quality standards.

Further action is expected based on the findings. The exact expiry dates and other details of the seized food items were not immediately available.

Earlier this month, a routine food safety inspection at a Zepto warehouse in Bengaluru also raised concerns after officials reportedly found garbage, discarded bottles, wrappers and other waste scattered across the facility.

The warehouse, located in Hoskote taluk of Bengaluru Rural district, was also found to have allegedly poor food-handling and storage practices. Following the inspection, health authorities sealed the facility and issued a notice to the operator.

Officials also recommended that a case be registered over the alleged violations and legal proceedings be initiated against the operator.

“Strict legal action will be taken against food business operators found violating food safety regulations,” the department said, adding that special inspection drives would continue to ensure consumers have access to safe, quality and hygienic food.

(With Agency Inputs)