27.06.2026 22:00
A statement has been released by the company regarding an incident at the famous fast-food chain Popeyes in Ümraniye, Istanbul, where a mother found worms in a chicken meal she bought for her child. The statement said, 'It has been determined that the product was ordered at 11:17 AM, delivered at 12:02 PM, and returned to the restaurant at 6:19 PM. We have no information regarding the environment, temperature, or conditions in which the product was stored during this time,' and denied the allegations.
Live worms came out of a chicken meal that a mother bought for her child from a branch of the famous fast-food chain Popeyes in Istanbul's Ümraniye district. Following the images shared on social media, which sparked a great reaction, an official statement was made by the relevant company regarding the incident.
SCANDALOUS STATEMENT FROM THE COMPANY
In the statement made by the company, it was stated that the order in question was received at 11:17 AM, delivered at 12:02 PM, and returned to the restaurant only at 6:19 PM. Emphasizing that it is unknown in what environments and at what temperature the product was kept during the approximately 6-hour period that passed, the company rejected the accusations by stating that they operate in compliance with hygiene rules.
The statement included the following: 'Dear Public, A statement has become necessary regarding the allegations reflected on social media and to us concerning the fried chicken product purchased from our restaurant. Food safety and guest satisfaction are our top priorities. This complaint, which reached us, has been immediately and meticulously evaluated in line with our standards and operational procedures.
"RETURNED TO THE RESTAURANT 6 HOURS LATER"
In the investigation conducted, it was determined that the product was ordered at 11:17 AM, delivered at 12:02 PM, and brought back to the restaurant approximately 6 hours later, at 6:19 PM. We have no information regarding the environment, temperature, and conditions in which the product was kept during this time.
"NO HYGIENE ISSUE"
All camera recordings and images related to in-restaurant processes have been thoroughly examined; it has been confirmed that no hygiene issue occurred during the preparation and packaging of the product. Our products are prepared from raw materials kept in the cold chain and are fried at an oil temperature of 177°C. During this cooking process, the core temperature of the product reaches an average of 90°C.
After this process, which significantly exceeds the mandatory internal temperature limit of 74°C required by food safety standards, it is scientifically absolutely impossible to observe any living organisms. The guiding principles of international food safety authorities, especially the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), clearly demonstrate this fact.
"CANNOT BE ASSOCIATED WITH OUR RESTAURANT"
From a food science perspective, for any visible spoilage to occur in a cooked product, the product must have been left in an open and uncontrolled environment for hours. In the concrete case, the product remained outside our control for approximately 6 hours after delivery. Based on current findings, camera recordings, and scientific evaluations, it has been confirmed that the image in question cannot be associated in any way with the production, cooking, or packaged delivery process at our restaurant.
We inform the public that we are evaluating the matter meticulously. Respectfully announced to the public.'