Manipulated expiry dates, spoiled meat, and hygiene deficiencies: a report levels serious allegations against KFC in the Czech Republic. The food inspection authority has already initiated checks – the company denies all accusations.
Cover the label and the meat stays “fresh” longer – this is allegedly the method used by KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) branches in the Czech Republic. Journalist Jan Tuna recently drew attention to this in a report. The State Agricultural and Food Inspection Authority (SZPI) has since confirmed that it is examining the relevant indications.
According to SZPI spokesperson Pavel Kopřiva, speaking to the news portal iDNES.cz, around 70 inspections have been carried out in KFC branches since the start of the year, with violations found in nine cases. Most concerned hygiene deficiencies. For example, elevated levels of coliform bacteria were detected in ice cream. However, there was no talk of a direct health risk.
Tuna’s report focused on the branch in Jablonec nad Nisou. Former employees described how meat past its use-by date was relabelled, washed, or even sold again after months in storage. A video showing the covering of labels was also published. Some staff additionally reported having to work despite being ill.
KFC firmly denies the allegations. “We receive the meat fresh several times a week, and its shelf life is determined by the supplier,” a statement read. KFC’s control system is said to be among the strictest in the industry. This year alone, there have been over 550 inspections – without a single breach of food safety.
However, this is not the first scandal currently affecting the chain. Back in June, the media reported problems in Denmark. An internal employee chat and subsequent inspections by local veterinary authorities revealed that the “extension” method was also used there – that is, new labels with altered expiry dates were printed when meat was not used in time. The Danish KFC branch subsequently closed all 11 outlets.
In the Czech Republic, KFC has been operated by AmRest for 27 years; its brand portfolio in this country also includes Burger King, Pizza Hut and Starbucks, among others. Kentucky Fried Chicken is one of the leading fast-food restaurant chains in the Czech Republic and has around 130 branches throughout the country.
