Problems with food safety were found in roughly one out of three KFC restaurants inspected across the Czech Republic last year, according to data released by the Czech Agricultural and Food Inspection Authority (CAFIA).

Inspectors carried out 144 checks covering every branch of the chain, in some cases repeatedly. The seriousness of the findings differed from location to location, said CAFIA spokesman Pavel Kopřiva.

Some violations involved direct risks to food quality.

Inspectors reported moldy muffins offered for sale at a KFC outlet in Jenišov near Karlovy Vary. In Liberec, staff used meat past its expiration date during marinating.

At a Prague-Dejvice branch, meat was thawed in standing water, a method that does not meet hygiene standards. Tests elsewhere revealed contaminated surfaces and ice samples exceeding permitted microorganism levels.

Hygiene failures were the most frequent issue. Authorities recorded 38 cases linked specifically to food cleanliness rules. Inspectors also noted 13 breaches tied to food safety management procedures and one case involving incomplete meat traceability documentation.

The inspection campaign followed reporting by independent Czech journalist Jan Tuna. His investigation alleged repeated improper meat handling, including altered shelf-life labels and preparation of dishes from meat described as spoiled or foul-smelling.

The Czech checks also reflected similar concerns previously identified during inspections of KFC outlets in Denmark.

AmRest, the operator of KFC restaurants in the Czech Republic, said it does not tolerate any shortcomings in food standards.

After reviewing the inspection findings, the company stated that its internal control systems remain functional and that additional preventive steps have been introduced.

CAFIA only gained authority to inspect fast-food outlets at the beginning of last year. Before launching the broader nationwide campaign, the authority had conducted 63 inspections at KFC locations, identifying nine legal violations.

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