KFC admits hygiene breaches at Leicester Square branch

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) today admitted breaching hygiene rules at one of the busiest branches in Britain

The fast-food giant said it admitted having inadequate pest control at a branch in Leicester Square, central London, during a hearing at City of Westminster Magistrates' Court, in central London.

Environmental health inspectors from City of Westminster Council said cockroaches, mice and flies were found during an inspection of the premises in Coventry Street on August 15 last year.

KFC said it also admitted failing to provide hygienic facilities for handwashing and failing to keep the restaurant clean and in good order during today's hearing.

The firm, based in Woking, Surrey, also admitted poor design and construction of the premises resulting in inadequate food hygiene practices.

After today's hearing, KFC spokeswoman Nina Arnott said: "These charges date back to August 2008 and, as soon as we were made aware of the results of the inspection, we took immediate action to bring the restaurant back up to our strict hygiene standards.

"A new manager has been installed and the restaurant has performed well on recent EHO (environmental health officer) inspections.

"It has just undergone a complete renovation and we are closely monitoring to ensure that our high standards are maintained."

KFC will be back before the court on May 10.