About 50 Public Catering Establishments Suspended for 24 Hours for Non-Compliance with Health Regulations

Today, approximately fifty public catering establishments in the republic have been suspended for 24 hours. Additionally, the operations of one restaurant complex have been halted for 72 hours due to non-compliance with health regulations. The establishment failed to organize and conduct mass gatherings, which are prohibited to safeguard public health. Record-keeping of temperature checks and sanitation has also been inadequate. This information was provided by the press service of the State Food Safety Service.

The main violations identified include staff not wearing masks and gloves or wearing them incorrectly, allowing customers to enter the establishment without temperature checks, failing to maintain proper records of temperature and sanitation, absence of designated bins for masks and gloves near entrances, and most commonly, not ensuring social distancing between tables and patrons.

Representatives of the body responsible for food safety urge operators to strictly adhere to the safety standards established to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Reports of violations are submitted to the health authority, based on which the operations of the establishments can be suspended for 24 hours or longer.

The State Food Safety Service emphasizes that the aim of the suspensions is not only to penalize non-compliance but also to provide time to rectify identified violations. They also offer consultations, instructions, and distribute informational leaflets and guides on how to operate while maintaining conditions to avoid the risk of contracting and spreading the coronavirus.