KFC Fires Employee For 'Licking' Mashed Potatoes

An employee at a KFC in Johnson City, Tennessee has been fired after a picture of her licking — or just about to lick — a tray of mashed potatoes went viral over the weekend. The Johnson City Press reports that "this photo got serious traction on social media by Friday, prompting many, many comments from people condemning and defending the woman in the picture."

KFC issued a statement that the photo was taken after the restaurant was closed and that the potatoes were never served to customers. The written comment from the chain reads, "Nothing is more important to KFC than food safety. As soon as our franchisee became aware of the issue, immediate action was taken...The employee involved was immediately terminated." The woman who took the photo was also fired. The company also sent in a team to retrain the staff at the outpost.

Here's a TV news segment from outlet WJHL which runs through the story and the "anger, disgust, and confusion" it caused for local diners:

Video: "Facebook Post Prompts Investigation"

· Employee Fired for Photo of Potato Licking [JCP via HuffPo]
· Facebook Post Prompts Investigation [WJHL]
· All Scandals Coverage on Eater [-E-]