Beijing FDA investigates Haidilao following sanitation woes
Beijing Food and Drug Administration launched an investigation into the central kitchen and 26 chain restaurants of popular hotpot restaurant Haidilao in Beijing following media exposure of sanitation issues and mice infestation.
Problems discovered in the investigation included an incomplete record of cleaning and disinfection, disarray of kitchen utensils and staff not wearing hats and masks, FDA informed Haidilao Saturday, reported Beijing Youth Daily.
Haidilao promised to make public all information about its kitchen management within one month.
The sanitation issues were recorded in the hotpot restaurant’s credit profile, Beijing FDA said.
Two Beijing branches of Haidilao were closed temporarily after media reports exposed mice infestation and other sanitation problems, as Haidilao vowed a thorough clean-up and rectification.
A reporter from the Legal Evening News disclosed the problems after working in the restaurant undercover.
Traces of mice were frequently found in the restaurant’s ingredients room, serving room and dishwashing room.
Haidilao, known for its good service and food, is one of the most popular hotpot chains in China and boasts hundreds of restaurants nationwide.