Two cases filed against KFC

KATHMANDU, DEC 25: 

A consumer group has filed two cases against international food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). Forum for Protection of Consumer Rights-Nepal has filed the cases in Metropolitan Police Range, Hanuman Dhoka and Department of Commerce today.

“We have demanded an investigation on the issue and punish the KFC for importing banned chicken,” general secretary of the forum Jyoti Baniya said, adding that they have also demanded punishment under clause 6 of Black Marketing and Some other Social Crime and Punishment Act in the case filed to police. “The black marketing case was attracted because KFC has been selling foods on false promises.”

Devyani International, the company that operates KFC, has promised to sold foods prepared from chicken imported from Brazil and Thailand,” he said. “However, the recent event in Dharke of Dhading district has proved that it is cheating the customers.”

Department of Livestock Service had destroyed about 5,248 kg imported chicken by Devyani International and 5,619.5 kg imported chicken by Mango Tree International on December 15 citing that they imported chicken by India, which is banned. “India is on bird flu alert list of World Organisation for Animal Health since October 12,” he added.

The consumer group has also demanded action under clause 18 of Consumer Protection Act. “We have demanded five year imprisonment and Rs 500,000 fine for the promoters of Devyani International for their negligence to consumer health,” said secretary of the forum Bimala Khanal.

The department has confirmed the registration of the case.

“We are investigating the case,” said director general of the department Narayan Prasad Bidari.

The case will be preceded on the basis of joint secretary of Ministry of Agriculture Development Uttam Kumar Bhattarai’s report, he said, adding that the ministry has formed a committee to investigate on how the banned chicken entered into the country.

The committee had submitted the report to the government. “We have submitted the report,” Bhattarai confirmed, refusing to explain the details. 

However, another official at the ministry said ‘banned import’ was made possible in the nexus of quarantine, customs and Devyani International officials.

Source: THT