Mangaluru: Health department officials inspected and subsequently closed a KFC outlet at City Centre Mall following a complaint that a chicken item served to a customer was allegedly spoiled. During the inspection, officials reportedly found frozen chicken that had been packed several months earlier, along with a strong foul smell in the storage area.
The inspection followed a complaint by former mayor and BJP leader Kavitha Sanil, who alleged that her 10-year-old child was served peri-peri chicken ordered through Swiggy. According to the complaint, the chicken appeared black and emitted a foul smell when the child began eating it.
Complaint prompts health department inspection
After noticing the condition of the chicken, Kavitha reportedly took the bill and went to the KFC outlet at City Centre Mall. She contacted the District Health Officer and other health department officials and requested an inspection of the premises.
She also brought the matter to the attention of district in-charge minister U T Khader.
Kavitha reportedly remained at the outlet for around three hours while officials inspected the premises and the food storage facilities.
The inspection was conducted following the complaint, with officials examining the chicken stock, storage conditions and cooking oil used at the outlet.
Chicken packed months earlier found in freezer
During the inspection, officials reportedly found frozen chicken that had been packed in March and stored at the outlet for several months. According to officials, a foul smell was noticed inside the storage area.
The discovery reportedly contradicted the initial explanation given by outlet staff, who had allegedly maintained that only one parcel was affected.
Officials subsequently removed and examined the stored chicken stock. Three varieties of chicken, including chilled and frozen chicken, were reportedly found at the premises.
The prolonged storage of chicken and the reported odour raised concerns among officials regarding the outlet’s food storage and hygiene practices.
Three chicken samples sent for testing
Following the inspection, health department officials collected samples of three varieties of chicken from the outlet. The samples are to be sent to the Food Testing Laboratory in Mysuru for analysis.
The laboratory examination is expected to establish whether the chicken samples meet prescribed food safety and quality standards.
Officials said further action would be taken based on the laboratory report. The outlet was closed following the inspection pending further proceedings.
The seizure of samples and closure of the premises have brought renewed attention to food safety practices at large food outlets, particularly those handling and storing significant quantities of meat products.
Strong smell reported in storage area
Officials reportedly expressed concern over the condition of the storage room after detecting a strong foul smell upon entering the area.
According to information available from the inspection, chicken supplied to the outlet from Bengaluru was being stored at the premises, with stocks reportedly covering several months.
The storage area contained different varieties of chicken, including chilled and frozen products. Officials inspected the stock and collected samples for laboratory testing.
The reported storage conditions have raised questions about temperature control, stock rotation and adherence to food safety requirements. However, the final findings will depend on the laboratory examination and subsequent investigation by the authorities.
Officials question use of cooking oil
Apart from the chicken stock, health officials also inspected the cooking oil being used at the outlet.
Staff reportedly told officials that the same oil had been used for three days. Officials expressed concern after observing that the oil had turned black.
While cooking oil used for frying may be reused a limited number of times under appropriate conditions, officials reportedly reprimanded the staff over the continued use of the oil in the condition found during the inspection.
The cooking oil was also collected as a sample and is expected to be sent to the Food Testing Laboratory in Mysuru along with the chicken samples.
Food safety concerns raised
The incident has raised concerns over food safety at a prominent food outlet located inside City Centre Mall, which attracts a large number of visitors.
KFC outlets are popular among customers seeking chicken-based food items, and the Mangaluru outlet reportedly receives substantial footfall from mall visitors and others ordering through food delivery platforms.
The complaint involving a child, coupled with the reported discovery of older frozen chicken and deteriorated cooking oil, has prompted scrutiny of the outlet’s food handling and storage practices.
District food safety officer Praveen said further action would be taken after the laboratory report is received.
The authorities’ next steps will depend on the results of the testing and the findings of the inspection. Until then, the reported condition of the food stock and storage facilities remains a matter of concern from a food safety perspective.
The incident also highlights the importance of maintaining proper storage conditions, monitoring the shelf life of food products and ensuring that cooking ingredients meet prescribed safety standards. Regular inspections and prompt action on consumer complaints remain essential to protect public health, particularly at high-footfall food establishments.