The company Isken ApS, which has operated KFC restaurants in Denmark since 1986, has officially declared bankruptcy, according to documents from the Danish court register Statstidende. The company was placed under bankruptcy administration on 18 July, following a series of scandals that led to the termination of its franchise agreement by KFC Western Europe, the brand’s regional headquarters.
Mislabelled chicken and food safety concerns
In June, the Danish investigative programme Kontant revealed serious food safety breaches in KFC Denmark outlets, including the mislabelling of expiration dates on thawed chicken. The findings, supported by employee chat messages spanning from 2019 to mid-2024, suggested a widespread practice aimed at extending the usable life of poultry products.
KFC’s Western European office responded by stating that its “standards for food safety are non-negotiable”, and in late June announced that Isken ApS was no longer authorised to operate any KFC locations. The termination of the franchise contract led to the closure of all 11 restaurants in Denmark.
Continued operations despite revoked license
Despite the termination, several KFC outlets reportedly remained open temporarily, prompting confusion and criticism. By early July, it was confirmed that Isken ApS could no longer pay employee salaries, with 191 staff members affected according to the Danish business registry (CVR). KFC’s parent company began searching for a new franchise partner to potentially relaunch the brand in the country.
Food authority inspections confirm poor ratings
The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration (Fødevarestyrelsen) conducted inspections at all KFC restaurants in July. None of the locations received the top hygiene rating, known as the “smiley system” in Denmark. Four outlets received negative evaluations (“angry smileys”), while seven were rated as average.
Future of KFC in Denmark uncertain
With Isken ApS under bankruptcy proceedings and the franchise agreement terminated, the future of KFC’s presence in Denmark remains uncertain. The fast-food chain is currently seeking a new operator who meets its corporate standards and can restore the brand’s image in the Danish market.
