The cantonal laboratory in Zurich objected to 10 percent of the samples

The cantonal laboratory in Zurich complained about 10 percent of the samples taken last year. Maggot-infested fungi and harmful beard care products, among other things, attracted negative attention.

Six out of ten beard care products were defective, the cantonal laboratory writes in its annual report published on Tuesday. The oils and aftershaves got a forbidden smell. According to the report, those who groom their beards with it are at risk of swelling or blisters.

Also ugly what certain frozen mushroom samples contain. Four out of ten were defective: they showed “excessive infestation by insect larvae”. Six to ten percent would even be legal.

In 2022, the lab analyzed 3,837 samples from restaurant kitchens. About 20 percent received complaints about exceeding the reference value. But that does not mean that a fifth of kitchens are insufficiently hygienic. “The high hit rate is an expression of a targeted selection of problem companies,” the report said.

Anyone who makes a negative impression should therefore expect further checks. 20 percent of the 500 companies have been audited again. Most have rectified the shortcomings. However, one percent of pickles required food inspection due to repeated defects. The most common complaint with the pickles was the finding of intestinal bacteria in the samples. This could indicate manufacturing defects, the lab writes.

In total, the cantonal laboratory conducted 8,301 inspections in 2022. This also in solariums, bars or trains. 10 percent of 21,520 samples were negative. (oo/sda)