The Public Security Police closed a buffet restaurant in Cacém, in the municipality of Sintra, after an inspection operation that detected serious food safety irregularities.
During the action, carried out with the support of several entities, including the Working Conditions Authority and the Judiciary Police, almost two tons of food unfit for consumption were seized.
Authorities found poorly packaged perishable products, food in direct contact with the floor and no separation between raw and prepared food. Overcrowded refrigerators without temperature control were also detected, and frozen food was being defrosted without complying with sanitary rules.
On the upper floor of the restaurant, the police found improvised accommodation where 35 immigrants who worked at the establishment lived. According to the PSP, the space did not meet minimum habitability, hygiene or ventilation conditions.
During the operation, two people were notified to leave the country because they were in an illegal situation. In addition to the closure of the restaurant, criminal proceedings and several administrative offense notices were filed.
