Nearly two-thirds of summer hospitality businesses found violating food safety rules

During inspections last summer, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) found violations at nearly two-thirds of hospitality businesses that attract large crowds on hot days. Inspectors found insufficient measures to keep flies out of kitchens, while food was also not being stored or prepared at the correct temperatures.

In July and August, on days when temperatures reached at least 20 degrees Celsius, the NVWA inspected 154 so-called summer locations. These included hospitality businesses at beaches, recreational lakes, campsites, playgrounds and outdoor swimming pools.

Inspectors found violations at 96 of the businesses. Reports were drawn up for eight companies where serious violations were found, which could lead to fines or other enforcement measures. The other businesses received official warnings.

Flies were found at 47 percent of the 154 locations. At 3 percent of the businesses, the fly problem was considered serious. The NVWA says flies can spread bacteria and viruses through their legs, saliva, and feces when they land on food, waste, or dirty surfaces.

Allergen information was another significant problem: 40 percent of the inspected businesses failed to provide allergen information correctly or completely. The NVWA specifically found that businesses had more difficulty maintaining correct food-storage temperatures in summer than during the first months of the year.

Of the 96 businesses requiring action, 88 received official warnings, while the eight more serious cases resulted in reports of findings that led to fines. The businesses must correct the violations, and the NVWA said it will conduct follow-up inspections within three months.

Warm weather increases the risk of food safety problems because food spoils more quickly and flies are more prevalent. The NVWA said it has increasingly found flies at hospitality businesses in recent summers.

The inspections were unannounced, according to the NVWA.