Listeria Outbreak Forces Extended Closure of Stockholm's Coco & Carmen

The luxury restaurant Coco & Carmen in Stockholm is extending its closure indefinitely following a serious listeria outbreak detected in multiple samples from the venue. Originally scheduled to reopen Tuesday, the venue remains closed as health authorities continue investigating the source and extent of contamination.

Preliminary testing by Stockholm's environmental authority has confirmed the presence of listeria on food items and surfaces within the restaurant. According to Lovisa Grimsell, spokesperson for the environmental administration, about 30 samples have been taken, though the full results have not yet been finalized. Grimsell emphasized that while listeria can sometimes be present in small amounts without causing illness, determining the contamination level and its exact origin remains critical before the restaurant can safely reopen.

The outbreak has resulted in at least ten confirmed listeria sepsis cases hospitalized, an unusual development particularly since it has affected relatively young and healthy individuals, according to Smittskydd Stockholm. Furthermore, over 100 complaints have been reported by customers who suspect they contracted listeria after visiting Coco & Carmen.

The restaurant management communicated the decision to postpone reopening to staff, underlining their cooperation with health authorities to ensure safety. The investigation continues as authorities work to identify the food source responsible for the outbreak to prevent further cases.

Coco & Carmen's prolonged closure reflects the severity of this public health incident in Stockholm's dining scene, highlighting the challenges of managing listeria contamination in high-end food establishments. The situation remains under active review with public health officials closely monitoring developments.