Hundreds of hygiene violations uncovered in Lower Saxony's food inspections
Food safety inspectors across Lower Saxony have carried out thousands of checks on restaurants, cafés, and other food businesses. The inspections, both planned and unannounced, uncovered hundreds of hygiene violations in 2025 and early 2026. Authorities responded to complaints, conducted follow-ups, and performed routine oversight to ensure compliance with regulations. In Braunschweig, inspectors examined 2,078 establishments in 2025. Of these, 748 were routine checks, while 231 followed complaints or other triggers. The city recorded 684 violations during the year.
Salzgitter’s team inspected 1,403 businesses, completing 259 scheduled visits and 165 in response to specific concerns. Nearby, Wolfsburg carried out 950 inspections, including 593 routine checks and 266 triggered by incidents. The city cited 246 businesses in 2025 and another 44 in early 2026, with 57 cases requiring further action. Goslar district checked 1,061 establishments and found 297 violations in 2025, along with 111 more in early 2026. Meanwhile, Gifhorn inspected 616 businesses, and Wolfenbüttel reviewed 243. Across all areas, hygiene breaches were the most common issue identified. The inspections form part of ongoing efforts to monitor thousands of food service operations in the region. Authorities continue to enforce standards through both scheduled visits and unplanned checks.
The figures highlight the scale of food safety enforcement in the region. Businesses found in breach of regulations faced citations, follow-up actions, or further penalties. Inspections remain a key tool for maintaining public health standards in the food industry.
