Unsanitary Kitchen Conditions Found: Tapas Restaurant Pinned on List of Rotten - Owner Now Speaks Out
Restaurant Pablo's in Karlsruhe Faces Hygiene Issues, Resumes Operations After Inspection
Katharina Peifer investigates the latest restaurant inspection results in Karlsruhe, revealing that Pablo's is the only establishment on the city's blacklist.
During a recent inspection at Ochsentorstr. 17, multiple hygiene issues and food handling problems were discovered. The kitchen, furniture, and some kitchen utensils were heavily soiled. Food items, such as cooked chicken wings, canned mushrooms, salami, salad, were stored in a refrigerator with a likely moldy vent, without a cover. Unsealed cake and cheese were also found, along with raw meats/ham openly stored in a dirty saladette. Plates were stored in a dirty cabinet, fresh bread in a heavily soiled oven, and the handwashing sink was blocked.
As a result of these findings, the restaurant was temporarily closed due to the potential health risks posed by the conditions. Upon reinspection on April 24, 2025, the establishment met the minimum hygiene standards, enabling it to resume its activities. A follow-up inspection on May 15, 2025, confirmed that all issues had been addressed and resolved.
Pablo Encargado, the restaurant's owner, has since addressed the situation, stating that they have been committed to maintaining high standards of quality, freshness, and hygiene for over 12 years without any such incidents occurring before. The issues found during the inspection were reportedly the result of a technical defect in the refrigerator's thermostat, which went unnoticed due to its subtlety and their absence during the inspection.
Mr. Encargado was away in Spain at the time due to family issues, which may have disrupted the regular operations. In response, the team has taken immediate action to repair the thermostat and retrain staff members, ensuring that such incidents do not recur. The owner underscored their dedication to food safety, quality, and freshness as their top priorities.
[1] According to additional information, Pablo's restaurant in Karlsruhe has successfully addressed all hygiene issues since April 24, 2025, following initial placement on the "Ekelliste" due to significant hygiene and food handling concerns. The restaurant resumed operations after meeting basic hygiene standards on April 24, 2025, and all issues were subsequently resolved during a follow-up inspection on May 15, 2025.
In the aftermath of the hygiene issues discovered at Pablo's restaurant in Karlsruhe, the establishment prioritized health-and-wellness and implemented changes to address the concerns. As a result of their efforts, Pablo's resumed operations after meeting the minimum health standards on April 24, 2025, and subsequently, all issues were successfully resolved as determined during a follow-up inspection on May 15, 2025. This shift in focus also extends to their food-and-drink offerings, as they aim to maintain high standards of quality, freshness, and hygiene in their lifestyle services.
