Residents have voiced their disgust after a KFC in Bicester was found guilty of a series of food hygiene offences.
Cockroaches were found on the premises and dead flies were found in a walk-in fridge, while chicken was found to be kept in dirty containers.
The “shocking” violations were first uncovered by a Cherwell District Council health protection team in 2022, but courts slapped the franchisee, SBR Retail Limited, with a five-figure fine last week after it pleaded guilty to four offences.
Alongside the £30,000 fine, the judge ordered the defendant to pay a £2,000 ‘victim surcharge’ and awarded the council costs of £5,395.88.
Locals took to social media to make their views heard, with multiple commenters claiming they would “never eat there again”.
A social media user said they “can’t understand” why people were still going there, while another said the takeaway’s food was “rank” and they had “stopped eating there a long time ago”.
Multiple posters suggested KFC stood for “Kentucky Fried Cockroach”, while one called the branch the “worst one in the country”.
Another said: “This happens in a lot of places and now I don’t feel like I can eat anywhere but home.”
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Councillor Phil Chapman, Portfolio Holder for Healthy and Safe Communities, said: “Hygienic places to eat out are a key part of what makes our towns attractive and enjoyable, so making sure that takeaways and restaurants are complying with the law is one of our crucial roles.
“We always look to work with businesses to help them follow best practice, but we will not hesitate to take formal enforcement action when necessary.
“This was a shocking case, which the judge agreed put public health at risk.
“This verdict is a positive result for anyone who enjoys eating out in north Oxfordshire and should serve as a reminder to other food businesses to abide by the law.”
Cockroaches can produce up to 300 offspring a year, with babies developing into fully-grown pests within a matter of months.
Despite the grim findings, the fried chicken outlet’s last health inspection in December 2022 yielded a “good” food hygiene rating of 4.
Social media users said the franchise had previously shut down for a “total refurbishment” following the inspection.
But one said: “If after all this they can’t get 5 stars that means that their hygiene standards are still low… I bought from them before but never again.”
A KFC spokesperson said: “Operating responsibly is our number one priority and we have strict processes in place to ensure the quality and hygiene standards of all our restaurants.
“The Bicester restaurant voluntarily closed for business and since then has worked hard with local authorities to make improvements and now has a four-star rating.”
