The Takeaways Are Taking Over

Miftaul Islam reports on the fried chicken shops taking roost all over East London.

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Health officials in East London are on high alert, after figures were released showing the rapid growth of fried chicken outlets across the region.

‘More and more fast food outlets, fried chicken outlets in particular, are establishing themselves within East London,’ said Graham Kissen, an inspector for the Food Standards Agency.

Kissen was concerned that East London is becoming home ground for a host of fried chicken shops. His concerns were echoed last week by Diane Abbott, shadow public health minister and MP for Hackney and Stoke Newington, who is looking at planning legislation with a view to banning the uncontrolled expansion of such outlets.

In one borough – Tower Hamlets – in the first quarter of 2014, 184 fried chicken outlets were found to be in operation; in a total land area of just 7.63 square miles.

Many local people are unhappy with the proliferation of so many outlets in such a small area.

Businessman Richard Kila said: ‘I have an office on a street with five fried chicken outlets – all a stone’s throw away from each other and all selling the same thing.’ He thinks ‘there are too many and it’s especially bad for the youth within this area, who seem to be attracted to this type of food.’

The Food Standards Agency operates a hygiene rating system for fast food outlets. Of the fried chicken shops surveyed in Tower Hamlets, 48 per cent – nearly 90 shops – were found to be ‘unsatisfactory’ or worse.

But for many people with no time to cook and not much inclination, either, the low price, accessibility and sheer good taste of fried chicken, are worth risking a few bugs for.

 

 

 

 

 

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