SAINT-GENIS-LAVAL, December 12 – The Woko Asian restaurant chain outlet in the Saint Genis 2 shopping center, located near Lyon, was forced to cease operations on Tuesday, December 9, following an emergency closure order from the Rhône prefecture. The decision came after grave breaches of hygiene regulations were identified, posing a significant threat to consumer health.
Emergency Closure Follows Deteriorating Sanitary Conditions
The closure was implemented after a formal notice issued on November 13, 2025, failed to prompt the necessary improvements. Inspectors from the Departmental Directorate for the Protection of Populations of Rhône (DDPP) conducted a control visit, revealing a severe degradation of sanitary conditions within the establishment.
Alarming Discoveries: Live and Dead Cockroaches
During the inspection, DDPP agents found both live and dead cockroaches in the production and storage areas. This critical finding was just one of many deficiencies documented during the visit. The extensive list of violations included:
- Significant failure in the maintenance and cleaning of production areas, staff facilities, and storage rooms, as well as equipment.
- Absence of a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system, or the application of a Good Hygiene Practices Guide (GBPH) adapted to the activity, or an internally validated Sanitary Control Plan (PMS).
- Lack of management and monitoring for high-risk operations.
- Poor conditions for the storage and preservation of raw materials and prepared foodstuffs.
- Absence of self-monitoring procedures.
- Possession of expired food products.
- Lack of traceability for food products.
- Inadequate handwashing facilities for the activity.
- Absence of a hygienic space for storing work uniforms.
These findings underscore the severity of the situation, prompting the prefecture to deem the continued operation of the restaurant a direct health hazard.
Consumer Health at Risk
The Rhône prefecture stated that the continuation of the restaurant’s activities “constitutes a threat to consumer health due to the significant probability of contamination (microbiological, chemical, physical) and the resulting risks of intoxication.” This assessment highlights the immediate danger posed to patrons.
A Google review from November 2025 by a customer identified as ‘Steph’ further corroborates the issues, stating: “I just left the restaurant and I’m still shocked. I discovered a cockroach running on my plate. The staff lowered their heads but no reaction other than a refund, which is the absolute minimum. I should have been paid compensation! I’m traumatized, I don’t dare go anywhere else in the shopping center. A nightmare!”
Path to Reopening: 48 Modifications Required
For the Woko restaurant at Saint Genis 2 to reopen, its owners must implement 48 specified modifications to address the identified hygiene and operational deficiencies. Reopening will only be permitted after a new control inspection confirms that all necessary improvements have been made and the establishment meets the required sanitary standards.
When contacted by actu Lyon, the restaurant declined to comment on the situation.
Source: https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/saint-genis-laval_69204/pres-de-lyon-ce-restaurant-asiatique-populaire-ferme-d-urgence-dans-un-centre-commercial_63563825.html
