Rīga’s Eastern Hospital launches new catering tender / Article

A re-inspection of the RAKUS catering unit by the Food and Veterinary Service found that the caterer is now able to ensure adequate hygiene requirements in the premises. The provider of this service at the Eastern Hospital is currently CNC Ltd.

The Service previously noted that the layout of the premises and the technological equipment did not ensure adequate cleaning and disinfection. The PVD also concluded that the premises were not protected against the accumulation of dirt, external contamination, the risk of pest infiltration and mould growth, and that there was inadequate refrigeration equipment.

“The overall conclusion is that it has been found that repairs have been made to the floors, walls and ceiling coverings in the kitchen food distribution area, as well as in the preparation area – vegetable pre-treatment rooms, technological corridors. Changes have also been made to the process flow to ensure the necessary capacity of the refrigeration equipment.

“Overall, the premises are protected against potential contamination risks at the time of the inspection. Our decision will therefore be that the company can continue to operate. Of course, the company still has some non-conformities that they have to correct, but they are not critical, and repairs are continuing there,” explained Raimonds Tukišs, Head of the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) Riga City Office.

The caterer has until 1 September to remedy the remaining non-compliances.

RAKUS did not comment on the situation with the current caterer at the moment, but pointed out that this contract will end at the end of this year, so a new public procurement has been launched. The previous contract was for three years, but the new contract is for five years and the estimated contract amount is €25 million.

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