Pignol Stores in Lyon Shut Down After Urgent Hygiene Inspection
Lyon, February 25 – In a significant development for Lyon’s culinary scene, two retail outlets of the celebrated Pignol catering company have been temporarily closed by the Rhône Prefecture. The closures, affecting stores near Place Bellecour and on Rue Emile-Zola, followed an unannounced hygiene inspection on Tuesday that uncovered severe sanitary issues.
The prefectural order, prominently displayed on the shop windows, detailed a litany of hygiene violations. These included a “very significant presence of mouse droppings on equipment and packaging in contact with foodstuffs,” “the presence of food moths and rat droppings in storage areas,” “dilapidated premises and equipment,” a “risk of insalubrity due to chemical contamination,” “a marked lack of maintenance,” and “expired foodstuffs.”
According to the Rhône Prefecture, these findings necessitated immediate action, leading to the prompt closure of both Pignol establishments. The stores were ordered to cease operations on Tuesday at 4 PM due to “serious breaches of hygiene rules.”
Pignol Management Responds to Closures
The decision by the prefecture has undoubtedly tarnished the image of Pignol, a caterer with a strong reputation in Lyon. In a statement posted for its customers, the company acknowledged the temporary administrative closure, attributing it primarily to the “dilapidated state of certain storage premises.”
The statement further explained, “This non-conformity, which had not been noted during the previous inspection in 2023 (which was very satisfactory), requires immediate renovation work. We know that aging premises can encourage the presence of pests. This is why we have long engaged a specialized company that ensures regular and professional monitoring.”
Pignol’s management emphasized the gravity with which they are treating the situation, stating, “We take this situation very seriously and have immediately initiated an action plan: upgrading certain equipment, support from specialized renovation professionals, thorough cleaning, and strengthening HACCP procedures. Our priority remains the quality and safety of our products, which are entirely manufactured in our laboratory located in Brignais and delivered daily under optimal cold chain monitoring conditions.” The company operates approximately ten points of sale across the Lyon metropolitan area.
A “Harsh Decision” and Hopes for Swift Reopening
Baptiste Pignol, speaking to Le Progrès, described the prefectural decision as “harsh.” He suggested that “perhaps a warning with an obligation to comply with standards would have been sufficient.” He also confirmed that an emergency meeting was held immediately to address the necessary work and ensure product quality.
The celebrated Lyon establishment hopes to reopen its doors in the coming days, possibly as early as this week, after rectifying the identified issues.
The incident highlights the stringent hygiene standards enforced in the food industry and serves as a reminder that even well-established businesses are subject to rigorous oversight to ensure public health and safety.
Source: https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/lyon_69123/lyon-coup-de-tonnerre-des-magasins-pignol-fermes-en-urgence-apres-un-controle-d-hygiene-surprise_63890236.html
