A Chinese restaurant situated in Madrid recently became the focus of a police raid that revealed shocking health violations.
The establishment, known locally as Jin Gu, is located in Madrid’s Usera district.
Following the raid, the restaurant has been shut down due to multiple health code violations. This closure came about after numerous complaints led to the inspection in late March.
The conditions discovered by the inspectors were reportedly worse than anticipated.
Authorities found plucked pigeons, with reports from El Mundo stating that staff were capturing the birds from the streets and ‘kicking them to death.’
Furthermore, investigators discovered eight freezers filled with products that were unlabeled and without visible sell-by dates, making them impossible to trace.
The fire extinguishers were improperly stored, failing to meet the required minimum height for positioning, and emergency exits were obstructed by trash bins.
Additionally, the restaurant lacked thermometers in its storage areas to monitor temperatures, a legal necessity in Spain.
The realization that there was a reason for any peculiar taste in orders, such as duck, was likely unsettling.
Consuming street pigeons poses significant health risks, and this practice is prohibited in various countries for safety reasons.
Experts caution that these birds can harbor life-threatening bacteria and fungi.
Pest control experts at Integrum Services highlight that street pigeons may carry up to 60 infectious diseases that can be transmitted to humans.
Moreover, feral pigeons can also host parasites, which in turn carry bacteria and spread diseases.
Notable diseases include E.coli, salmonella, and psittacosis.
While E.coli and salmonella are not typically deemed life-threatening, psittacosis can be fatal due to its potential to cause respiratory issues.
In severe cases, this bacterial infection might result in serious pneumonia and respiratory failure, particularly in older or immunocompromised individuals if untreated.
If left unchecked, the infection could escalate, leading to inflammation of the brain, heart, or liver.