Cockroaches & Rodent Droppings Found at Bonn Ice Cream Parlor

Bonn Ice Cream Shop Shut Down After Shocking Hygiene Violations

bonn, Germany – A popular ice cream parlor in Bad Godesberg, Bonn, was temporarily closed after health inspectors uncovered “repulsive conditions,” including the presence of live and dead cockroaches and rodent droppings. The establishment, located on Theaterplatz, has since reopened after addressing the critical issues.

Health inspectors with the City of Bonn revealed the extent of the violations in a report published Friday, January 16th. The findings prompted an immediate closure of the business due to the severity of the hygiene failings.

The inspection uncovered a systemic lack of basic preventative measures. According to the report, the operators failed to implement routine self-checks or pest monitoring. “Both the ingredient storage room and the ice cream laboratory in the basement were in a deplorable hygienic state,” a statement from the city detailed. Inspectors also found materials unsuitable for food contact being used in the ice cream laboratory.

Did you know? – Germany has strict food safety regulations overseen by both federal and state authorities. Regular inspections are crucial for maintaining public health and ensuring food quality standards are met.

A Litany of Concerns

The list of infractions extended beyond the presence of pests. Inspectors documented several additional issues,including:

• A lack of liquid soap at the handwashing sink near the ice cream counter.
• Red lubricant contamination within the dishwasher.
• The absence of a handwashing sink in the planning area behind the counter.
• Notable buildup of scale and dark residue inside the ice cube machine.
• Contamination on the evaporator guard in the cold storage room.

“Due to the identified violations, the operation was temporarily closed by official order,” the City of Bonn announced.

The initial inspection took place on November 13,2025,with a follow-up inspection conducted just two days later,on November 15th. At that time, officials confirmed that all deficiencies had been rectified, allowing the business to resume operations.

Pro tip – Food businesses should maintain detailed cleaning schedules and pest control records. Proactive measures are more effective-and less costly-than reacting to infestations.

The violations were publicly reported on the “Lebensmitteltransparenz.nrw” portal, a platform used by North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) authorities to disclose significant breaches of hygiene regulations that carry a minimum fine of €350. However, authorities clarified that a listing on the portal does not automatically indicate that customer health was directly endangered.

Why did this happen? The ice cream parlor in Bonn was shut down due to a severe lack of hygiene,including the presence of pests like cockroaches and rodents,and multiple sanitation violations. Who was involved? The City of BonnS health inspectors identified the issues at the establishment on Theaterplatz in Bad Godesberg. What occurred? Inspectors found unsanitary conditions in storage and preparation areas, unsuitable materials used in food contact, and a general failure to maintain basic hygiene standards. How did it end? Following a two-day remediation period, a follow-up inspection confirmed all deficiencies were corrected, and the business was allowed to reopen.

Reader question – What role do customers play in ensuring food safety? Share your thoughts on how businesses and patrons can work together to maintain hygiene standards.

The incident underscores the importance of rigorous hygiene standards in the food service industry and the vigilance of regulatory bodies in protecting public health.