Several Chinese restaurants closed in Budapest due to hygiene violations

In a recent large-scale inspection, the National Authority for Trade and Consumer Protection (Nemzeti Kereskedelmi és Fogyasztóvédelmi Hatóság, NKFH) ordered the temporary closure of multiple Chinese restaurants in Budapest due to severe food safety and hygiene violations. The inspections, carried out in cooperation with local authorities and food safety experts, uncovered a range of serious infractions that posed health risks to customers.

Widespread hygiene issues identified in several Chinese restaurants

According to the NKFH’s report, the inspected Chinese restaurants exhibited alarming hygiene deficiencies. The most common violations included:

• Poor general cleanliness: Many kitchen areas were heavily contaminated. Floors were covered with dirty cardboard, which absorbs grease and dirt, making thorough cleaning impossible. Wall coverings were damaged or missing, further complicating proper sanitation, Telex writes.
• Unsanitary storage conditions: Inspectors found refrigerators and freezers in unacceptable states, often covered in ice buildup and dirt. Some storage units were broken or neglected, raising concerns about food contamination.
• Accumulated dirt and grease: Thick layers of grime coated kitchen surfaces, shelves, and storage containers. Inspectors noted that grease deposits covered ceilings and light fixtures, indicating a prolonged lack of cleaning.
• Inadequate handwashing facilities: In several cases, kitchen sinks were either non-functional or lacked running water altogether, making it impossible for staff to maintain proper hand hygiene.

Before and after photos:

Immediate closures and response

Due to the severity of these violations, authorities ordered the immediate closure of the affected Chinese restaurants. The decision was made to protect public health and ensure that food establishments comply with Hungary’s strict food safety regulations. Officials emphasised that while these measures may seem drastic, they are necessary to prevent potential foodborne illnesses.

The NKFH also highlighted that restaurant owners and staff were given clear instructions on how to rectify the hygiene issues. Upon re-inspection, several establishments demonstrated compliance with the required safety standards, allowing them to resume operations.

Nationwide investigation launched

In light of the widespread nature of the hygiene violations, the NKFH has initiated a nationwide investigation targeting East Asian fast-food restaurants, 24.hu reports. Authorities will conduct further inspections in the coming weeks to assess whether similar violations are present in other parts of the country. The goal is to ensure that all restaurants, regardless of their cuisine, adhere to the same hygiene and safety standards.

Looking ahead: Stricter regulations and ongoing monitoring

The NKFH believes that these actions will have a lasting impact on the hospitality sector by enhancing consumer confidence and improving overall service quality. Authorities have pledged to conduct more frequent and rigorous inspections to prevent similar cases from occurring again.

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