A GWENT KFC outlet has been fined £35,000 for selling undercooked chicken.

Kentucky Fried Chicken (GB) Ltd were prosecuted by Caerphilly County Borough Council's Environmental Health Officers after investigating a complaint made by a member of the public.

Investigations found that on February 4 a three piece variety meal was purchased using the drive thru at KFC Blackwood, Unit 1 North Court, and it was clear the chicken was not cooked.

An Environmental Health Officer sent the portions to a Public Analyst who discovered all three pieces on the bone were not cooked properly.

Further visit and documentation assessments revealed failures in company procedure, resulting in the sale of undercooked chicken.

A three day trial at Newport Magistrates Court concluded on 13 July, with KFC found guilty of two offences: placing unsafe food on the market and failure to implement safe cooking procedures.

The company were ordered to pay a fine of £35,000, together with prosecution costs of £6,122, £170 victim surcharge and £500 compensation to the complainant.

The District Judge acknowledged numerous issues with KFC procedures in this store, including a lack of documented checks on the pressure fryer's oil levels and failure to correctly train staff.

Since the incident, Blackwood KFC restaurant has been sold and is now owned and run by a franchise, following an extensive refurbishment.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Protection, Cllr Eluned Stenner, said: “Our Environmental Health Officers conducted a thorough investigation and secured a successful outcome in order to protect consumers and public health.”