NAS Blitz Reveals Widespread Irregularities in Campania Hospital Canteens
Naples, March 24 – A recent inspection campaign by the NAS Carabinieri of Salerno has unveiled an alarming situation within hospital canteens across the Campania region. Between February and March, 22 public hospitals and private clinics in the provinces of Salerno, Avellino, and Benevento were subjected to rigorous checks. The results are stark: 18 of these facilities, representing 82% of those inspected, were found to be non-compliant with health regulations, leading to fines totaling approximately 26,000 euros.
The operation’s primary objective was to safeguard food safety and protect the health of patients, particularly the most vulnerable. The findings highlight significant health risks in a crucial service for patients’ recovery and well-being.
Alarming Issues in the Salerno Area: Bacteria and Mold Discovered
The Salerno province exhibited some of the most critical issues. In the Agro Nocerino-Sarnese area, laboratory analyses detected bacterial contamination exceeding acceptable limits directly on trays intended for patients. This discovery forced hospital administrations to immediately revise their sanitization protocols to prevent potential health crises among patients.
The situation was no better in the Piana del Sele, where persistent hygienic problems, irregularities in food transportation, and a failure to monitor temperatures led to fines amounting to 3,000 euros. Further south, in the Cilento region, NAS officers documented the presence of mold on kitchen walls and chronic malfunctions in the kitchen ventilation systems, indicating a severe lack of maintenance and hygiene.
Irpinia: Unauthorized Kitchens and Structural Deficiencies Uncovered
Moving to the province of Avellino, the NAS uncovered an extreme situation in the Valle del Sabato. A private clinic was found to be preparing meals without the necessary SCIA (Certified Notification of Commencement of Activity) and health authorizations. Furthermore, this unauthorized operation was conducted in environments with significant structural deficiencies, posing immediate risks to food safety and staff health.
Other facilities in the Irpinia territory faced penalties for failing to implement mandatory self-control procedures and for storing non-pertinent materials in close proximity to cooking areas. These breaches of protocol could lead to cross-contamination and compromise the integrity of patient meals.
Sannio: Cobwebs and Crusted Dirt Among Cooking Utensils
The Benevento territory also did not escape the scrutiny of the NAS. In a hospital in the Valle Caudina, the absence of changing rooms for staff and the use of broken dishwashers resulted in 4,000 euros in fines. However, the most concerning scenario emerged in the provincial capital, Benevento itself. Inspections revealed conditions far below sanitary standards. In the areas dedicated to meal packaging, investigators found oily accumulations, cobwebs, and crusted dirt, painting a grim picture of the hygiene practices.
Despite the alarming overall situation, the timely intervention of the NAS allowed for immediate rectification of less severe non-conformities. Strict prescriptions were imposed on the spot, ensuring that some of the more minor issues were addressed promptly. The NAS has confirmed that controls will continue tirelessly in the coming weeks to ensure that hospital catering facilities strictly adhere to the highest hygiene standards, thereby protecting the most vulnerable individuals.
The widespread irregularities underscore a systemic problem in the oversight and management of hospital canteens across the Campania region. The findings raise serious questions about the quality of care and the safety of patients who rely on these facilities for their daily nutrition.
The Carabinieri of the NAS are committed to continuing their vigilance to ensure that all healthcare facilities provide a safe and healthy environment for their patients. This operation serves as a critical reminder of the importance of continuous monitoring and strict adherence to health and safety regulations in all public and private healthcare settings.
Source: https://www.cronachedellacampania.it/2026/03/blitz-dei-nas-in-campania-bocciate-18-strutture-su-22/amp/
