KFC branch faces possible NT$200 million fine over AAA battery egg tart

Kaohsiung, Feb. 11 (CNA) A KFC branch in Kaohsiung could be fined up to NT$200 million (US$6 million) after a customer found a AAA battery in an egg tart, city officials said Wednesday.

In a social media post Tuesday, the customer shared photos and a video of the battery embedded in the egg tart, saying it had been purchased at KFC's Nanzih store and was about to be microwaved after going cold.

"My family kept telling me to microwave it because it tastes better hot, but I was too lazy and just ate it as it was -- which ended up saving my whole family," the customer wrote.

On Wednesday, the Kaohsiung City Department of Health dispatched personnel to the store to conduct an inspection. The operator confirmed that a battery fell into the product after a timer used by an employee was dropped.

The department added that the operator admitted there were "flaws" in the preparation process, saying the employee failed to follow standard operating procedures by not discarding the affected batch.

Because the presence of a AAA battery in an egg tart violates the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation, the department said it will impose a fine ranging from NT$60,000 to NT$200 million and refer the case to prosecutors.

The department also urged restaurants to strengthen staff training and enhance food safety oversight.

Consumers with purchase disputes can contact the city's Consumer Service Center or call 1950 for assistance, the department said, adding that suspected food safety violations can be reported directly to health authorities.