Health authorities in Soledad, Colombia, have temporarily closed a restaurant located within the Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport due to serious hygiene violations identified during a routine inspection. The closure, carried out by the Soledad Secretary of Health’s Office of Food Safety, follows findings that the establishment failed to meet basic sanitary standards required under national food safety regulations.
According to official reports from the municipal health department, inspectors observed multiple critical issues during their visit to the food service outlet inside the airport terminal. Among the most significant concerns were improper food handling practices, including the storage of raw meats alongside ready-to-eat vegetables—a condition that creates a high risk of cross-contamination and potential foodborne illness transmission.
In addition to these handling deficiencies, authorities noted an excessive buildup of grease and food debris on various surfaces throughout the food preparation area, indicating inadequate cleaning and disinfection protocols. Such conditions not only compromise food safety but likewise create environments conducive to the proliferation of bacteria, pests and other contaminants that could endanger public health.
Perhaps one of the most visibly troubling findings was the presence of a blocked drain located directly beneath a refrigeration unit, which was holding stagnant water and emitting foul odors. Health officials confirmed that this drainage issue represented a potential source of microbial contamination and posed a clear violation of sanitary infrastructure requirements for food establishments.
Edison Barrera, Secretary of Health for Soledad, emphasized that no food service operation—regardless of its location within municipal jurisdiction—is exempt from regulatory oversight. He stated that the closure was carried out under the authority of Law 9 of 1979 and Resolution 2674 of 2013, which establish the mandatory hygiene and safety standards for all food service providers operating in Colombia.
The temporary shutdown remains in effect until the restaurant implements corrective actions to address all identified violations and passes a follow-up inspection by health authorities. Officials have not disclosed a specific timeline for reopening, noting that compliance will be verified before any authorization to resume operations is granted.
This incident underscores the ongoing importance of vigilant food safety monitoring, particularly in high-traffic public spaces like international airports where thousands of travelers pass through daily. Health officials continue to conduct scheduled and surprise inspections across food establishments in Soledad to ensure adherence to public health protections and prevent risks associated with unsafe food practices.