A woman who has been vegan for five years says she is heartbroken after trying to buy one of the new Quorn burgers from KFC - and being sold a chicken burger instead.
Nic Kent, 27, tried to buy one of the newly released meat-free burgers on Sundays but was handed one with meat - and took a bite before she realised the mistake.
The burger also contained cheese which - as well as not being vegan - she has an intolerance to.
Nic told NottinghamshireLive: "I felt sick. I was heartbroken. It has been a long time since I first became a vegan. I went to brush my teeth after."
The box was labelled 'zero chicken' burger which states on the side: "Finger lickin' vegan. Until you add non-vegan stuff, obviously."
She said: "I waited a long time for it so I was hungry and I just wanted to enjoy it. Luckily it was not a big bite.
"I've been vegan for five years so I known damn well that was not any plant-based stuff. I could feel all the skin going down my throat.
"My sister picked up the burger and checked for me. I should have checked but really I should not have had to.
"I'm not a militant vegan but I was so grateful that KFC was trying to do something, a place that me and my family could go.
"I just feel disappointed. KFC do not care about vegans or about animal welfare, it's just about money."
Her sister's order from the restaurant in Clifton Lane, Nottinghamshire was correct.
Ms Kent is also lactose intolerant, and the burger contained cheese. She said "I have not had cheese in a long time so it did make me very sick.
"Lactose intolerance needs to be taken seriously. It's not a good start to Veganuary.
"I phoned them back up and we spoke to the manager and [my sister] even went back and they offered us a free meal.
"But I do not trust them anymore. Just be cautious and just check."
The KFC original recipe Quorn burger launched on January 2 this year.
A KFC spokesperson said: “We’re really sorry for what happened with Nic’s order – we got it wrong on this occasion.
"We offered a full refund straight away and a replacement Vegan Burger, but we realise it’s super important we don’t slip up – particularly when it comes to allergens.
"We've followed up with our teams to remind them of the importance of getting the right order to the right customer – and we’ll keep doing everything we can to prevent this happening again."
