KFC loses damages battle

Fast-food chain KFC has been ordered to pay $8 million Australian dollars (8.3 million U.S.dollars) in damages to the family of an Australian girl who was left severely brain damaged and in a wheelchair after being poisoned by a chicken meal.

In 2005, Monika Samaan, then aged seven, her parents and her brother were hospitalised with salmonella poisoning after eating a "Twister" chicken wrap at a KFC restaurant near Sydney.

Last week, a New South Wales Supreme Court judge ruled in favour of the family, saying KFC had breached its duty of care to the girl.

On Friday (April 27), it awarded the family $8 million Australian dollars in damages, as well as court costs.

The family lawyer, George Vlahakis, said outside the court: "It was a tremendous battle, but at this stage we can't make any further comment."

Australian media quoted the lawyer as saying compensation was needed and that the girl's illness had exhausted limited family resources.

KFC, owned by Yum! Brands said it was a tragic case but was "deeply disappointed and surprised by the decision" and that it would appeal.