A 16-year-old boy’s mother has demanded answers from KFC after he suffered horrific burns while working for the fast food franchise.

The boy had been working on Friday night at KFC’s North Geelong outlet about 70km outside Melbourne, when he suffered third-degree burns, according to The Age.

It is believed the teenager had been emptying a cooker when scalding hot liquid was splashed over his face and body.

He remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.

A Seven Network report of the boy in hospital on Sunday night shows his entire face and torso covered in bandages.

His mother, Kylie Grieg, said it was not clear how it all happened leading up to her son’s injuries.

“I just want answers. What exactly happened to my son? Why is he so burned?

“I was shocked at how badly burned he had been. I was told it was just boiling water. The burns were on his cheeks, nose, hands, arms, splashes on his belly,” She told the Seven Network.

She said that her son, Tyson, had worked at the store for about a year and was an experienced cook.

“He worked hard, he looked after his family,” she said.

A KFC spokeswoman said the company is treating the incident very seriously and had strict procedures in place to prevent workplace injuries.

The restaurant has since been closed and WorkSafe Victoria has been notified.