A Chinese restaurant in Madrid, known as Jin Gu, has been closed following a shocking revelation that their advertised ‘roasted duck’ was actually street pigeons. This discovery has left many customers questioning their dining choices and may have lasting effects on their appetite for roasted duck.
Investigation and Closure
The restaurant was raided last month as part of a police investigation, leading to its immediate closure. Authorities have launched an inquiry into the establishment, and the owners are currently under investigation for various violations.
During the raid, police uncovered disturbing evidence, including footage of plucked and cooked pigeons being prepared in the kitchen. Additional findings revealed unsanitary conditions, with meat hanging from clothes dryers and unlabelled, undated meat and fish stored in broken freezers. The kitchen was also found to have rat traps and cockroaches near food preparation areas, raising serious health concerns.
Health and Safety Violations
The investigation highlighted numerous health and safety violations, including:
- Unsanitary Conditions: The presence of pests and improperly stored food items.
- Rusty Cookware: Cookware and knives were found to be rusted, indicating a lack of proper maintenance.
- Lack of Temperature Control: There were no thermometers available to monitor food storage temperatures, which is critical for food safety.
- Illegal Sea Cucumbers: Authorities also discovered sea cucumbers, which are prohibited by marine law.
Legal Consequences
The owners of Jin Gu are facing potential charges related to animal cruelty and consumer violations. The situation has raised significant concerns about food safety and ethical practices within the restaurant industry.
Customer Reactions
Despite the alarming revelations, the restaurant had previously maintained a 4.2 rating on Google, with many positive reviews from past customers. One review from five years ago noted, “The duck I think is a little dry and lots of bones, not that tasty,” which now takes on a more sinister context in light of the recent findings.
As the investigation continues, the fallout from this incident may have lasting implications for the restaurant’s reputation and the broader dining community in Madrid. Customers are now left to reconsider their trust in local establishments and the importance of food safety standards.