The food authorities in Telangana on Saturday ordered re-testing of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) food products, after the results of a test showed the presence of bacteria linked to food poisoning in a sample of its fried chicken.

Director of Institute of Preventive Medicine (IPM), K Amrendra Reddy, said that samples have been sent for examination.

"Our police inspectors have already gone and have taken some samples from two or three centers and then they have submitted the samples and the report once it comes… then if it is found to be unsafe then we will launch prosecution," said Reddy.

Food safety has hit headlines in India after government food safety inspectors found excess lead in packets of Nestle's Maggi instant noodles. The company disputed the test results and a subsequent recall order, but it has become the country's worst safety scare involving packaged food in a decade.

The Indian unit of fast food chain KFC, owned by Yum Brands Inc (YUM.N), on Friday challenged the results of a test showing the presence of bacteria dismissing them as "false allegations". KFC, a subsidiary of Pepsico Restaurants International, opened its first outlet in Bangalore.