Food poisoning at KFC Canalwalk

Dear KFC South Africa and YUM! Brands Customer Care,

I am writing to formally lodge a serious complaint regarding a food poisoning incident I experienced after purchasing a meal from KFC Century City, Cape Town, on [insert exact date] at 17:33.

I had not eaten anything except a slice of toast at 11:30am that day. After leaving Canal Walk, I arrived home at approximately 18:04 and began eating immediately. Within 5 minutes of consuming the food, I experienced severe stomach cramps and rushed to the bathroom, where I remained for about 30 minutes.

Shortly after, I informed my girlfriend that I wasn’t feeling well and decided to leave. While exiting the premises, I vomited twice, and on my way home, I vomited another 4 times. Before pulling into my driveway, I vomited 3 more times, and upon entering my home, I vomited another 3–4 times, accompanied by diarrhea. I eventually passed out from exhaustion without even changing my clothes.

I woke up the next morning around 8am, still sick and vomiting. I went to a doctor and was diagnosed with Gastroenteritis, which was directly linked to the food I consumed.

I reported the incident and submitted the medical note, only to be told that the company will not accept liability. To make matters worse, the store manager, Ashraf, responded dismissively with the comment: “We served 967 customers. How are you the only one sick?” This kind of response is not only inappropriate and unprofessional—it shows a complete lack of accountability and empathy.

The resolution I was offered was a free meal, which is unacceptable. I will not eat from KFC again after this experience. This was not a minor stomach ache—this was one of the worst physical reactions I’ve ever had, and it could have resulted in far more serious consequences.

I am requesting the following:

1. A formal investigation into the food safety and handling practices at KFC Century City.

2. A formal written apology from both KFC and YUM! Brands.

3. Appropriate compensation for the medical costs and trauma experienced.

Please consider this a formal notification. If I do not receive a satisfactory response, I will be exploring other channels, including the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud and public health authorities.

I await your urgent attention and response.

Kind regards, Rashaad Carlsen 071 559 9989 Cape Town, South Africa carlsen486@gmail.com