It began early in the week with a light-hearted statement on the KFC website informing consumers about the problems, the restaurant said: ‘The chicken crossed the road, just not to our restaurants.’ It had closed many outlets, KFC said, because it would not compromise on quality.

John Boulter, DHL's managing director for the retail supply chain,  Tuesday evening, ‘DHL regrets the interruption of supply and is working diligently to rectify the situation by working with KFC and other partners involved in the supply chain.’ DHL reported in November that it had been appointed alongside QSL to manage the supply and distribution of food products and packaging for more than 850 KFC outlets in the UK. It would manage the physical warehouse and distribution service. KFC said it had specifically chosen the pair for their reputation of ‘innovation in logistics’ across other industries.

As this week completed queues of lorries outside the Warwickshire depot were cleared. Rugby Borough Council, ‘DHL have now filled in the correct paperwork and an inspection revealed food was stored safely.’

The Colonel is back on the road.