Systemic Food Safety Violations: Use of Expired Meat and Falsified Expiry Dates (critical) Multiple reports and regulatory inspections by the State Agricultural and Food Inspection (SZPI) confirmed the widespread use of expired marinated meat in KFC branches in the Czech Republic, specifically in Liberec and Jablonec nad Nisou. In one instance, nearly 9 kilograms of expired marinated meat were discovered at the Liberec branch. Investigative journalist Jan Tuna, citing former employees, reported allegations of manipulated expiry dates, spoiled meat, and the practice of re-labeling meat to extend its shelf life, which employees described as a 'common practice.' Video evidence of re-labeling was also alleged. AmRest, the company operating KFC in the Czech Republic, was found to have violated food law, leading to administrative proceedings and fines by the SZPI.. Widespread Hygiene Violations Leading to Numerous Temporary Closures (critical) Between January 1 and August 12 of the current year (likely 2025, given other article dates), 82 KFC establishments in the Czech Republic were temporarily closed due to 'substantial hygiene violations.' This indicates a systemic failure in maintaining basic hygiene standards across a large portion of their restaurant network. The State Agricultural and Food Inspection (SZPI) has also conducted approximately 70 inspections in KFC branches since the start of the year (as of Sep 19, 2025), reflecting intensive regulatory scrutiny.. Allegations of Child Labor in Restaurants (high) An investigative report by journalist Jan Tuna included 'shocking testimony' from a former chef at the Jablonec nad Nisou KFC branch, alleging that minors were employed ('pracovali i mladiství') in the restaurants.. Leadership's Inadequate Response and Lack of Transparency in Crisis Management (high) Ivana Makalová Dlouhá, Director for KFC CZ&AT, publicly downplayed the severity of the food safety issues by stating that the expired meat situation was an 'exceptional incident' and that customers 'did not receive expired meals.' This statement directly contradicts multiple confirmed findings by the SZPI, which detected expired meat and confirmed falsification of expiry dates, as well as testimonies from former employees who claimed these practices were 'common.' Furthermore, initial user reactions to the scandal involved mocking KFC's 'copy-paste responses' to questions, indicating poor public relations and crisis communication.. International Regulatory Escalation to European Food Safety Authority (high) The severity of the food safety and operational issues at KFC in the Czech Republic has escalated to an international level, with a Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Tomáš Zdechovský, officially requesting the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to investigate the 'serious practices' of the fast-food chain.