The State Food and Veterinary Service (VMVT) in Lithuania has taken decisive action against a cafe in Vilnius, suspending its operations due to significant violations of hygiene and food safety regulations. Inspectors reported that the food handling premises were in a state of disarray, with surfaces covered in grease, yellowed walls, and cracked, uneven floors that were dusty and littered with food scraps. The equipment used in the kitchen was also found to be unhygienic, with containers for overflowing spices and kitchen tools displaying foul and sticky conditions.

In addition to the issues found in the kitchen, the inspection revealed that the refrigeration units were unsanitary, with dirty interior surfaces and broken seals. Frozen storages were noted to have thick layers of frost, illustrating a lack of proper maintenance. The storage area for dry foods was also problematic, revealing a plethora of foreign objects, and inspectors found packaging materials and tools improperly stored near a mattress with bedding on the second floor.

The VMVT's actions highlight ongoing challenges related to accountability in the food service industry, as such severe hygiene breaches can pose serious health risks to customers and the public. The inspectors emphasized the necessity for every food business operation to prioritize safety and cleanliness, indicating that non-compliance can lead to immediate and serious regulatory repercussions. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high hygiene standards within food establishments in order to protect public health and trust in local businesses.