Cockroach at KFC costs £19,000 fine

The insect was seen on a food dispensing counter near takeaway boxes and tongs used to serve chicken by an environmental health officer in a restaurant in London's West End.

City of Westminster Magistrates' Court heard that, during an inspection at the Leicester Square branch, the officer also saw a mouse, flies and dried chicken blood on the floor.

The fast food giant admitted breaching five hygiene rules after the inspection in August 2008.

David Whiting, mitigating, said the company took the inspection "very seriously". "KFC accepts the condition that has been described to you," he said. "They fell below their own high standards and below legal standards."