DON’T MISS
IamExpat Job BoardIamExpat HousingIamExpat Webinars
Newsletters
EXPAT INFO
CAREER
HOUSING
EDUCATION
LIFESTYLE
EXPAT SERVICES
NEWS & ARTICLES
Home
Lifestyle
Swiss news & articles
1 in 3 Geneva restaurants failed hygiene tests in 2023, report finds
Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy

1 in 3 Geneva restaurants failed hygiene tests in 2023, report finds

Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy
or
follow us for regular updates:



Related Stories

Geneva named one of the top travel destinations for 2024 by New York TimesGeneva named one of the top travel destinations for 2024 by New York Times
8 great vegan restaurants in Zurich8 great vegan restaurants in Zurich
What to do in Zurich on a SundayWhat to do in Zurich on a Sunday
The best Swiss cities for young people revealedThe best Swiss cities for young people revealed
Basel restaurant named best in the world by La Liste food guideBasel restaurant named best in the world by La Liste food guide
New "edible garden" opens to the public in GenevaNew "edible garden" opens to the public in Geneva
Zurich and Geneva the most expensive places to eat out in Europe, study findsZurich and Geneva the most expensive places to eat out in Europe, study finds
Which cities in Switzerland have the best (and worst) restaurants?Which cities in Switzerland have the best (and worst) restaurants?
For expats of all colours, shapes and sizes

Explore
Expat infoCareerHousingEducationLifestyleExpat servicesNews & articles
About us
IamExpat MediaAdvertisePost a jobContact usSitemap
More IamExpat
IamExpat Job BoardIamExpat HousingWebinarsNewsletters
Privacy
Terms of usePrivacy policyCookiesAvoiding scams

Never miss a thing!Sign up for expat events, news & offers, delivered once a week.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy


© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
Feb 18, 2024
Jan de Boer

Editor at IamExpat Media

Jan studied History at the University of York and Broadcast Journalism at the University of Sheffield. Though born in York, Jan has lived most of his life in Zurich and has worked as a journalist, writer and editor since 2016. While he has plunged head-first back into life in Switzerland since returning to the country in 2020, he still enjoys a taste of home at pub quizzes and karaoke nights.Read more

A new report from Swiss broadcaster RTS has revealed that one in three restaurants in Geneva failed to comply with hygiene standards in 2023. The number of serious incidents has now risen above levels seen before the pandemic, with entrepreneurs and restaurateurs blaming rising costs and a lack of workers.

One in three Geneva restaurants failed hygiene inspections

According to data from Canton Geneva, of the 2.500 inspections carried out last year, a third of food-serving venues in the city were rated as uncompliant with hygiene standards. All restaurants and cafes in Geneva are inspected for hygiene compliance at least every two years.

Of those violating standards, a total of 10 Geneva restaurants were forced to close temporarily or fully due to hygiene violations. Speaking to RTS, Geneva cantonal chemist Patrick Edder confirmed that the number of standard violations, serious cases and fines issued has risen beyond pre-pandemic levels.

Edder went on to explain that poor hygiene standards can have serious consequences, noting that “poorly stored food increases gastrointestinal risks.” “A particular bacteria like listeria, for example, can pose big problems for pregnant women, who may risk losing their child,” he warned. 

Rising costs and staff shortages to blame, argues broadcaster

In trying to explain why the number of unhygienic restaurants is on the rise, RTS suggested that rising costs and the continual shortage of staff in the city are to blame. One restaurateur who wished to remain anonymous told the broadcaster that they “can no longer afford to hire large teams... Employees have limited time [to clean] and I cannot ask them for more.”

To try and solve the problem, the Association of Cafetiers, Restaurateurs and Hoteliers of Geneva has announced that it will launch an online hygiene training course this spring. “Concerning unqualified people, we must provide training on the basics. Typically washing our hands, knowing how to receive goods, controlling and adhering to storage temperatures,” explained society training manager Stéphane Jan.

By Jan de Boer