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The food safety authority found that most busy beach bars, campsite cafes, and poolside kiosks inspected this summer violated food-safety rules. The most common issues were flies in kitchens and improper food temperatures.
What the inspectors found
In July and August, on days above 20 degrees Celsius, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) conducted unannounced inspections at 154 summer hospitality venues, including seaside bars, recreational lakes, campsites, playgrounds, and outdoor pools.
Inspectors found one or more violations at 96 locations, nearly two-thirds of those visited. Inspectors targeted these venues because warm weather increases the risk of food spoilage and fly infestations.
Flies and temperature
Two heat-related issues were most common. Flies were present at 47 percent of locations, with serious infestations at 3 percent. The NVWA warns that flies are not just a nuisance; they can spread bacteria and viruses through contact with food, waste, or dirty surfaces. Inspection data show that fly problems are increasing each summer.
Another recurring issue was improper food temperature. Businesses struggled more to maintain correct storage and preparation temperatures in summer than during cooler months, when proper handling is especially important.
A third, unrelated but significant issue was that 40 percent of businesses lacked accurate allergen information for unpackaged food, posing a risk for customers with food allergies.
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What happens to the businesses
Most violations resulted only in a reprimand. Of the 96 businesses with issues, 88 received official warnings. Eight businesses with serious violations faced formal reports, which may lead to fines or other enforcement actions.
All businesses are required to address the violations. The NVWA will conduct follow-up inspections within three months to ensure compliance and will share results with the hospitality trade association Koninklijke Horeca Nederland (KHN).
The bigger picture
These findings reflect a recurring trend, which the NVWA links to hotter Dutch summers. Warmer conditions increase the risk of bacteria and flies, especially at busy open-air venues. Customers should remain alert to unhygienic conditions, visible flies near food, or dishes served at incorrect temperatures.