A restaurant located in Cacém, in the municipality of Sintra, was forced to close after an inspection operation that identified health, labor and housing irregularities. The intervention led to the immediate suspension of the establishment’s activity and the seizure of more than a ton of food considered unfit for consumption.
According to SIC Notícias, the operation was carried out on March 5th by the Metropolitan Command of the PSP of Lisbon, through the Sintra Police Division, in collaboration with several entities. During the action, serious flaws were identified in the way food was stored and handled in the space.
Food stored in inappropriate conditions
Among the situations detected were food stored without the conditions required by health rules. According to the same source, inspectors found large quantities of products stored in inappropriate containers and without the necessary separation between raw and prepared foods.
The PSP also indicated that there was food placed directly on the floor. The statement cited by the publication states that “large quantities of foodstuffs were found, stored in poor packaging conditions”, including “food in direct contact with the floor”.
Problems in refrigeration and conservation
The inspection also revealed flaws in the way the products were preserved. According to the same source, some foods were being kept at temperatures considered inadequate to guarantee food safety.
Furthermore, the refrigeration equipment was overcrowded and had no temperature control. The publication adds that frozen food was found without any traceability and subjected to defrosting processes that did not comply with health standards.
Hygiene failures in preparation areas
Inspectors also found problems in areas where food was prepared. According to the same source, several work surfaces showed signs of degradation and some utensils were not properly sanitized.
In the statement cited by the same media outlet, it is stated that “serious deficiencies in hygiene conditions were also found in several preparation and cooking areas”. Among the problems identified were food waste accumulated in handling areas and the absence of cleaning plans.
More than a ton of food seized
In view of the irregularities identified, the authorities ordered the immediate closure of the restaurant. According to the same source, around 1,826 kilos of food products considered unfit for public consumption were seized.
The decision to suspend the activity was taken due to the seriousness of the situations found during the inspection. Authorities understood that the existing conditions represented a risk to public health.
Workers lived in makeshift accommodation
The operation also revealed another situation considered irregular within the building. According to , the upper floors of the restaurant were being used as makeshift housing for workers.
According to the same source, 35 foreign citizens linked to the operation of the establishment lived in these spaces. The authorities indicate that situations of overcrowding, improvised compartments and lack of adequate ventilation were identified, in addition to there being no licensing for housing use.
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