Lyon: Popular Italian Restaurant ‘Le Verdi’ Closed Due to Severe Hygiene Violations
Lyon, March 21 – The well-known Italian restaurant Le Verdi, situated on the chic Boulevard des Brotteaux in Lyon’s 6th arrondissement, has been subjected to an emergency administrative closure by the Rhône Prefecture. The closure, effective since Thursday, March 19, 2026, followed a critical hygiene inspection conducted by agents from Bureau Veritas Exploitation on behalf of the DDPP-69 (Departmental Directorate for Population Protection).
The inspection uncovered a multitude of serious hygiene issues, prompting the immediate shutdown of the establishment. The findings pose a significant threat to consumer health, according to the official report.
Grave Findings: Rodents, Expired Food, and Unsanitary Conditions
The detailed inspection report highlighted several alarming problems within the restaurant’s premises. Among the most critical were:
- Presence of live and dead rodents on equipment in the production area.
- Significant rodent droppings found in production and storage areas, as well as on and within equipment.
- Gross neglect of maintenance, upkeep, and cleaning of production and storage facilities.
- Lack of self-monitoring of surfaces, absence of hazard analysis, and insufficient control of risky processes.
- Failure to comply with food storage temperatures.
- Presence of expired foodstuffs.
- Poor storage and preservation conditions for raw materials and prepared foods.
- Absence of traceability for foodstuffs.
Further criticisms in the administrative closure order included the inadequacy of handwashing facilities relative to the restaurant’s activity and the complete lack of hygiene training for staff.
The prefecture’s decision to close the restaurant immediately was based on the assessment that continued operation, under the observed conditions, constituted a significant threat to consumer health due to the high probability of contamination (microbiological, chemical, physical) and the resulting risks of food poisoning.
Nearly Fifty Points to Rectify Before Reopening
To regain permission to operate, Le Verdi must address nearly fifty specific issues outlined in the closure order. The prefecture has made it clear that:
“Reopening can only take place following verification by an agent of the Departmental Directorate for Population Protection, who will confirm the effectiveness of all the corrective measures mentioned above. This visit will be made at the request of the operator.”
This means the restaurant’s management must implement extensive changes and improvements to their hygiene practices, facilities, and staff training before they can even request a re-inspection.
The incident at Le Verdi serves as a stark reminder of the rigorous standards expected from food establishments and the vigilance of health authorities in ensuring public safety.
Source: actu.fr
