KFC in India

Kentucky Fried Chicken popularly known as KFC started its Indian operations in Bangalore circa 1995. KFC at that time was on a worldwide expansion spree, with India being its next market for setting up a string of outlets. The Indian market had just opened up to multinationals and the economy was looking to move northwards.

Conflicts

Its image preceded its entry and protests erupted, with the local government accusing KFC of selling carcinogenic food and a large number of farmers fearing the takeover of the local agricultural system. People for Ethical Treatment of Animals(PETA) joined the protests over KFC's treatment of its chickens.

MSG content

One of the accusations against KFC was the high concentration of monosodium glutamate (MSG, a flavor enhancing ingredient) in the chickens, which was more than the level allowed by the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. The level of MSG in the chickens were found to be three times the normal levels specified in the Act.

MSG more popularly known as Ajinomoto is a sodium salt of glutamic acid. MSG is a food additive and it is commonly marketed as a "flavour enhancer".