Mangaluru, Aug. 15: A major food safety concern has surfaced in Mangaluru after health department officials reportedly found allegedly spoiled and long-stored chicken at the KFC outlet inside City Centre Mall.

The inspection followed a complaint by former Mangaluru Mayor and BJP leader Kavitha Sanil, who had ordered chicken through Swiggy for her 10-year-old child. While eating the chicken, the child reportedly noticed that the meat had turned black and was emitting a foul smell.

Sanil subsequently took the parcel and bill directly to the KFC outlet at City Centre Mall and alerted health department officials, including the District Health Officer. She also brought the matter to the attention of Mangaluru district in-charge minister U.T. Khader.

Shocking Discovery Inside the Freezer

During the inspection, officials reportedly discovered chicken that had been packed several months earlier. Chicken stored in the freezer was allegedly found with packing dates going back to March, raising serious questions about storage and food safety practices at the outlet.

Officials and members of the public were reportedly shocked by the condition of the storage area, where a strong foul smell was noticed. Various chicken products were taken out and inspected.

Authorities collected three different samples of chicken and sent them for laboratory testing. The outlet was subsequently shut down pending further investigation.

Officials said further action would be taken based on the laboratory report.

Foul Smell Reported in Storage Room

According to officials, chicken is supplied to the outlet from Bengaluru, with different varieties including chilled and frozen chicken reportedly being stored at the premises.

Officials reportedly noticed a strong foul odour immediately upon entering the storage room and raised concerns over the hygiene and storage conditions.

Questions Over Reuse of Cooking Oil

Officials also reportedly found concerns regarding the cooking oil used at the outlet.

Staff allegedly informed the authorities that the same oil had been used for around three days. The oil had reportedly turned dark, prompting officials to question the staff over its continued use.

Authorities collected samples of the three varieties of chicken as well as the cooking oil and said they would be sent to the food testing laboratory in Mysuru for quality and safety analysis.

District Food Safety Officer Praveen said further action would be taken after the laboratory results are received.

The incident has raised serious concerns over food safety and hygiene standards at one of Mangaluru's well-known fast-food outlets, particularly as City Centre Mall attracts thousands of customers seeking chicken and other food items.