Pizza Gonzales in Bremen: Hygiene scandal shocks guests!

Pizza Gonzales in Bremen: Hygiene scandal shocks guests!

There is currently some worrying news from the gastronomy scene in Bremen. The popular pizzeriaPizza Gonzalesrecently experienced unpleasant surprises during a hygiene inspection. According to a report by T-Online published on October 6, 2025, there were significant complaints from the food monitoring, animal protection and veterinary service of the state of Bremen (LMTVet). This is not only a bitter disappointment for the pizzeria, which was recently in the semi-finals of the “Uber Eats Awards 2025”, but also raises questions about food safety.

During the inspection, massive defects were discovered in the premises. Particularly affected were the preparation area and the cold room, where inspectors found mold in an advanced stage of growth. The picture was worrying: the inside and outside walls of the refrigerator were covered in moldy deposits, and there was also a pungent, sweet smell of decay in the refrigerator compartment. Hygiene violations also occurred on shelves, work tables, in the oven and in the food storage, where crusted food residues and improperly stored sausage and cheese products were discovered.

The role of food safety

These grievances make it clear how important food controls are in Germany. The authorities are responsible for the health of consumers and therefore carry out regular and risk-based controls to maintain the level of safety. In its Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002, the EU lays down key principles intended to ensure that only safe food is placed on the market. According to the Bmleh, this also includes the self-inspection of food companies that are responsible for the quality and safety of their products.

Food monitoring is no small matter in Germany and is the responsibility of the federal states. From the responsible ministry to regional councils to the food and veterinary inspection offices - everyone has their part to play in this system. “We have a large range of food products that consist of complex production chains and international flows of goods,” explains a spokeswoman for the BVL (Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety).

• Schutz der Gesundheit der Verbraucher
• Schutz vor Irreführung und Täuschung
• Vorsorgeprinzip
• Rückverfolgbarkeit von Lebensmitteln
• Unternehmerische Eigenverantwortung

Targeted controls are therefore essential, also to prevent spoiled food before the expiry date. The Federal Office of Consumer Protection provides more information about food surveillance and helps inform the public about safety risks and recalls.

The follow-up inspection and its results

There was good news after the follow-up inspection, which was carried out three weeks after the first: no more hygiene deficiencies were found and operational hygiene was restored. This shows that quick and effective measures have been taken to address the previous grievances.

In summary, the incidents in thePizza Gonzalesnot only shocked the local audience, but also served as a reminder of how important the function of food control is in Germany. In an age where edible goods come from international supply chains, it is crucial to ensure the highest standards of food safety.

The gastronomic diversity in Bremen therefore meets the strict regulations to protect consumers - a balancing act that requires a great sense of responsibility from the companies themselves.