Paris 2024: Strengthening health controls in restaurants near Olympic venues

Check the transparency of the frying oils, the operation of the hood, the cleanliness of the pans, traces of possible rodents… As the Olympic Games approach, health checks are intensified around the areas that welcome athletes and guests.

On Friday, April 12, an inspector inspected a restaurant in Saint-Ouen, Seine-Saint-Denis, which hosts part of the Olympic Village, in the presence of Agriculture Minister Marc Fesno. A pre-announced visit to a restaurant, but which allows the state to remind you that it is going “Monitor almost all nearby establishments” According to the minister’s office, the Olympic venues. This applies to restaurants, caterers, bakeries, snack bars and shops.

Only in the commune of Saint-Ouen does it represent “several hundred institutions”Javier Rozier, executive of the Seine-Saint-Denis population protection department, said on Friday. A day earlier, the prefecture tweeted the closure of a bakery located steps from the restaurant the minister visited. In particular, he notes the presence of rodents with supporting photographs. The manager will be able to reopen it if it installs “Take appropriate corrective action”.

About 1,500 targeted inspections

Since the beginning of the year, according to the Ministry, “Already 1500 Olympic target checks” Made in Île-de-France. A “collective food poisoning” According to the minister’s office, it represents “One of the highest levels of risk” around the organization of the Paris Olympic Games, “Because it could jeopardize the organization of the competition as such if the athletes get sick.” And that this “At risk to France’s reputation”.

The 142 government agents normally responsible for this type of control in departments hosting Olympic events are accompanied by 31 full-time equivalent (FTE) reinforcements. “Including the 26th in Ile-de-France,” The ministry claims. The workforce of the health agency Anses has also increased. “up to seven FTE”for that “To increase our laboratory analysis capabilities and therefore our response in the event of a health event”It is specified in the ministry.

The state also plans to check before the Games, “All Institutions” which will be used for eating within the Olympic venues. “It will still be quite delicate if several hundred thousand people get sick at the same time”, notes Mark Fesno’s office. It is estimated that thirteen million meals or snacks will be served only at certified Olympic facilities: canteens for athletes and volunteers, food stands for visitors, etc.