KFC Scandal in the Czech Republic: Deficiencies Found in Around a Third of 144 Inspections

The State Agriculture and Food Inspection Authority (SZPI) conducted inspections of all KFC restaurants in the Czech Republic last year. Around a third of the branches were found to have deficiencies during these inspections. The special action was triggered, among other things, by media allegations of hygiene violations.

SZPI’s inspections were part of an extraordinary campaign focusing on KFC restaurants in the Czech Republic. In total, inspectors carried out 144 checks. Deficiencies of varying severity were found in roughly a third of these inspections.

SZPI intensified its controls following reports by journalist Jan Tuna. Manipulated best-before dates, spoiled meat and hygiene shortcomings – in his report in September last year, he made serious allegations against KFC in the Czech Republic. The inspections were also conducted against the backdrop of similar incidents in Denmark, where all 11 branches were closed due to hygiene deficiencies.

Video: Manipulated expiration dates! Behind the scenes at KFC (CZ)

Despite Hygiene Shortcomings: Fast-Food Giant Insists Food Is Safe

According to KFC Czech Republic, all restaurants perform around the national average for the hospitality sector. Of the 250 inspections carried out throughout 2025, 67 per cent were found to have no issues – compared with an average of 66 per cent across the fast-food sector. In most cases, the findings were minor operational shortcomings, as is common across the hospitality industry.

The inspections revealed various breaches in food hygiene. In 38 instances, the authority noted hygiene deficiencies. In a further 13 cases, inspectors identified violations of prescribed procedures within the framework of the food safety assurance system. This included, among other things, three cases where internal guidelines for changing frying oil were not followed, and one case of improper meat thawing.

According to AmRest, all inspection recommendations were immediately addressed, and appropriate corrective measures implemented to ensure compliance with high standards. SZPI also stated that, in individual cases, administrative proceedings to impose fines would be gradually initiated.

In the Czech Republic, KFC is operated by the company AmRest, whose portfolio here also includes Burger King, Pizza Hut and Starbucks. Kentucky Fried Chicken is among the leading fast-food chains in the Czech Republic, operating around 130 branches nationwide.