Coco & Carmen Restaurant Extends Closure After Listeria Outbreak
Stockholm's upscale Coco & Carmen restaurant extends its closure after listeria was found on surfaces and food. The restaurant postpones reopening indefinitely while extensive cleaning continues and health officials investigate the outbreak source.
Upscale Stockholm restaurant Coco & Carmen will remain closed following a major listeria outbreak. The restaurant had planned to reopen on Tuesday but has postponed indefinitely.
Initial test results show listeria bacteria was present on both surfaces and food at the establishment. Stockholm's environmental health department confirmed these preliminary findings.
Lovisa Grimsell, a spokesperson for Stockholm's environmental administration, explained the limitations of current testing. "The preliminary report only tells us if listeria is present or not," she said. "Without knowing the quantity, this information means little. Listeria can be found almost anywhere."
The restaurant is now undergoing extensive cleaning and sanitation. Workers are cleaning the entire kitchen, dining area, and all bathroom facilities. They are cleaning everything regardless of whether listeria was previously detected.
All food and cutting boards have been thrown out as part of the sanitation process. The restaurant management stated they cannot reopen until they understand what caused the outbreak.
This extended closure represents a significant setback for the popular dining establishment. The restaurant's exterior renovation continues during the closure, creating an unusual situation where construction progresses while the business remains shuttered due to health concerns.