Lorraine Williamson
A Chinese restaurant in Madrid has been closed after authorities uncovered disturbing violations during a routine inspection.
The inspection revealed poor hygiene, unsafe food storage, and misleading practices. This included the use of street pigeons allegedly served as Peking duck.
Unhygienic practices and makeshift storage
Located in Madrid’s Usera district, an area known for its diverse range of foreign restaurants, the establishment was found to have numerous hygiene issues. Municipal police and the food safety authority uncovered serious violations during a scheduled inspection.
Inspectors discovered eight freezers filled with unlabelled and unregulated meat and fish. In addition, the kitchen was infested with cockroaches, and rat traps were seen on the floor. The food storage areas also did not comply with the restaurant’s licence, further raising concerns.
Shocking discovery in the toilet
Perhaps the most alarming find came from an unexpected location. In a disabled-access toilet, behind a hidden sliding panel, inspectors uncovered a concealed storage area. Inside were plucked street pigeons, which appeared to be intended for use as Peking duck. Moreover, this raised serious questions about food safety and the restaurant’s ethical practices.
Additionally, inspectors found strips of meat hanging to dry on makeshift clotheslines in the kitchen, further highlighting the restaurant’s disregard for proper food handling procedures.
Contaminated and untraceable food
The inspection also revealed unsanitary conditions in the restaurant’s waste storage area. A large container of 100 litres of used cooking oil was found, alongside spoiled sea cucumbers, dates, and shellfish in a display refrigerator. Many of these products had unclear origins, making it impossible to trace their safety and quality.
Public health risk and legal consequences
Health authorities responded swiftly, ordering the restaurant’s immediate closure due to significant public health risks. The use of street pigeons, which can carry bacteria and parasites, not only deceived customers but also posed serious health hazards.
In Spain, it is illegal to capture or use wild animals for food without official permission, and the restaurant owner is now under investigation for endangering public health and breaching wildlife protection laws.
Investigation ongoing
As the investigation continues, the restaurant will remain closed. Authorities are examining potential criminal activity, and the case highlights the importance of rigorous food safety standards to protect public health.