A WGC resident was horrified when he allegedly discovered what he says was a cigarette butt in a KFC takeaway meal.

David Whitfield was eating a Bargain Bucket in front of the TV at his Howlands home on Sunday last week when, he claims, he put a “fag end” in his mouth, thinking it was a chip.

The fast food chain has acted swiftly to investigate the allegation.

Mr Whitfield’s wife Jane, a QE2 Hospital worker, told the WHT she is hoping for a letter of apology.

She said: “It was definitely cooked.

“I’m 100 per cent sure it couldn’t have got in my meal any other way.

“Whether it was done by the suppliers or someone in the kitchen I don’t know, but it was in the food when we had it and no one should be smoking inside a building like that.”

She added: “I have called environment health [at Welwyn Hatfield Council] so we’ll see how it goes.”

KFC spokeswoman Nina Arnott said: “Our checks and controls for food quality and hygiene are extremely strict, both throughout the supply chain and in our restaurants, so we are very surprised by this allegation, and at a loss to understand how it may have come about.

“We are as keen as Mrs Whitfield to find out what may have happened, and are currently carrying out a full investigation.

“Our initial assessment suggests the cigarette was not in the fries at the time of cooking, and staff are only allowed to smoke in designated areas outside the restaurant.”