KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) was yet another company faced with a horrid crisis situation only a few months ago. However, this situation was different from the Maple Leaf crisis, in that KFC is denying the alleged accusations. KFC is being sued by a family who claims, their 11 year old daughter received salmonella poisoning from eating a KFC chicken twister in 2005. The girl is now in a wheelchair and the family is suing KFC for the damages.
Although the store where the poisoning is said to have occurred, rated very poorly in food preparation and handling audits and cross-contamination of food was present in the store, KFC is still strong in stating that it is not at fault.
While the company has expressed its sympathies for the girl and her family, they have posted various statements on their website reinforcing their position as not responsible for the girl’s illness. Information relating to their defense, as demonstrated in court, was also displayed on their website along with a statement from the general manager.
A video on the health and hygiene of KFC store locations was also posted on their website along with a video from KFC general manager, updating the public on the findings discovered in court, including inconsistencies in the girl’s statements made to the food authorities.
New information was released on the KFC website a couple of days later stating that no twisters were purchased at the time the girl and her family stated. Also, information regarding the temperature in which the chicken is cooked was displayed, which explained the impossibility of Salmonella being able to survive. However, the case will be held over until 30 November 2009.
KFC strongly believes it is not responsible for the girl’s illness and is defending the company, with valid information in court, but even if the company wins the case it will always be associated with possible salmonella poisoning and will likely lose a large number of customers.
I know, I personally, will think twice before ever eating at KFC again, will you?
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This sounds like an unfortunate situation where KFC has been the victim of a plot by a family who is trying to make money, perhaps to legitimately pay their daughter's medical bills. I believe KFC's case as they seem to have done enough investigation to prove that they are not at fault, the problem is that the damage has already been done.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how long it took KFC to respond to the rumours but this proves how important it is to respond immediately to an emerging issue before it becomes a crisis.
KFC actually did a really good responding to the crisis situation and defending the company! I guess we will have to wait and see what the court decides in November! However, like I previously mentioned, I feel as though the company's reputation is still at risk!
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