A Chinese restaurant in Madrid, Spain, was shut down on March 25, 2025, following a police operation that uncovered alarming health violations and unsanitary conditions. The establishment, known as Jin Gu, is under investigation for allegedly serving street pigeons disguised as roast duck, a practice that has raised serious concerns about public health and food safety.
The closure came after multiple complaints from customers who reported feeling unwell after dining at the restaurant. According to El Mundo, the police discovered approximately 300 kilograms of rotten food, meat hanging to dry, cockroaches, rat traps, and even dead pigeons during their inspection. The overwhelming lack of hygiene was evident, with filthy kitchens that clearly did not meet sanitary regulations.
One police officer described the scene as almost unbearable, stating, "Everything smelled of rotten seafood; it was nearly intolerable." The inspection revealed a hidden compartment in a restroom for people with reduced mobility, where officers found eight freezers filled with unlabeled frozen food that lacked temperature control. Among the items were frozen black chickens and strips of meat drying on a clothesline, with grease dripping down.
In the kitchen, authorities found two plucked pigeons, which may have been served as duck, alongside mollusks, sea cucumbers, and a significant amount of unlabeled food stored in freezers. It is estimated that over one ton of products were stored without any sanitary oversight. The Department of Health of the Municipal Board of Usera confiscated and sealed the food items.
Additionally, the restaurant's safety measures were severely lacking. Fire extinguishers were poorly positioned, failing to meet the minimum height requirements, and emergency doors were blocked by two trash bins. Residents living near the Jin Gu restaurant expressed frustration, noting that they had reported the establishment's unsanitary conditions to the police multiple times without any action being taken until now.
One neighbor recounted, "None of us ate there. The smell was terrible, and we saw them bringing in food on a cart in broad daylight." The restaurant had been operating for over a decade and had accumulated hundreds of negative reviews online, with customers often commenting on the poor quality of the food.
One review from January 2025 read, "Horrible food, in terrible condition. The duck tasted, at best, strange." Another customer mentioned that several family members fell ill after a meal at Jin Gu, prompting them to contact the restaurant to complain about being served spoiled food.
The Public Ministry of Madrid has opened an investigation against the restaurant's owner, who has not yet been publicly identified. The gravity of the situation has raised concerns not only about public health but also about the treatment of wildlife, as the alleged practice of capturing and serving street pigeons poses ethical questions.
Authorities are now under pressure to ensure that such violations do not occur again and to enforce stricter regulations in the food industry. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for better oversight and enforcement of health codes in restaurants across the city. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on holding those responsible accountable and ensuring the safety of consumers.
This troubling case highlights the importance of vigilance in food safety and the need for consumers to be aware of where their food comes from. The Jin Gu restaurant's shocking practices serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in the food industry and the critical role of health inspections in protecting public health.
As Madrid authorities continue their investigation, the community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will restore trust in local dining establishments. With public health at stake, the repercussions of this case may lead to more comprehensive regulations and a renewed commitment to food safety standards in the restaurant industry.
