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A Chinese restaurant in Madrid has been permanently shut down after a shocking investigation revealed it had been serving street pigeons in place of roast duck.
The restaurant, named Jin Gu, located in the city’s Usera district, came under the spotlight after police launched a raid late last month. What they discovered inside the kitchen left both authorities and the public disgusted.
Shocking Discovery
During the raid, officers found plucked and cooked street pigeons being prepared and passed off as roast duck, a popular dish often enjoyed with pancakes and hoisin sauce. Although certain types of pigeon—like wood pigeon—are considered delicacies in some upscale restaurants, these were birds caught from the streets, raising serious health concerns.
Police footage reportedly showed unsanitary conditions, including gnarled strips of meat hanging from makeshift drying racks, such as clothes horses, which are completely inappropriate for food preparation.
Major Hygiene Violations
Authorities uncovered a laundry list of hygiene violations. Freezers were either broken or not functioning properly, with unlabeled and undated meat and seafood stored inside. The kitchen was infested with cockroaches, rat traps were scattered throughout, and there was no way to monitor food storage temperatures due to the absence of thermometers.
Additionally, much of the cookware used in the kitchen was said to be heavily rusted, making it unsuitable for safe food preparation.
Illegal Ingredients and Health Risks
If the pigeon meat scandal wasn’t alarming enough, police also found sea cucumbers, which are banned under strict marine protection laws. These are just one of several illegal items discovered on the premises.
The owners of the restaurant are now under investigation and could face multiple charges, including public health violations, animal cruelty, and consumer fraud. Authorities stressed that street pigeons can carry dangerous diseases and are not fit for human consumption — particularly when basic food safety standards are ignored.
Public Outrage
The news has left many regular customers horrified, especially those who frequently ordered roast duck, unaware of what they were actually being served. As authorities continue their investigation, locals are voicing their disgust and disappointment, hoping this case serves as a warning for stricter oversight in the food industry.
For now, Jin Gu has closed its doors, and its legacy may forever be tied to one of the most disturbing food scandals the city has seen in recent years.
