Sanitization underway at Coco & Carmen after listeria outbreak
An extensive sanitization effort has begun at the luxury restaurant Coco & Carmen in Östermalm after listeria was found in multiple locations. The environmental authority is analyzing about 50 samples, with roughly half testing positive for the bacteria. The restaurant has discarded all food and remains closed until safety is assured.
On Friday afternoon, Coco & Carmen received indications from the environmental authority of an unusually large spread of listeria in the kitchen in Östermalm. The restaurant then decided to expand testing, including on unopened packages. Preliminary test results show listeria present at about 25 locations, though the concentration and type remain unknown.
On Monday, an extensive sanitization effort began covering the kitchen, dining area, and restrooms. The disinfectant is a hydrogen peroxide aerosol that kills bacteria like listeria. All food has been discarded, cutting boards thrown away, and equipment thoroughly cleaned. Once sanitization is complete, the environmental authority will take follow-up samples to ensure guest safety.
Stockholm's environmental authority is analyzing about 50 samples from food and surfaces. At least 25 have been cleared, including curry sauce, spruce shoots, jelly raspberries, rhubarb, and white and black cutting boards. An AI analysis of the menu identifies 11 remaining dishes as suspects, such as crudités, parsnip, and espresso semifreddo. Listeria expert Jörgen Johansson describes pinpointing the source as extremely difficult without knowing the bacterial dose, but notes that unpasteurized dairy products are possible candidates.
Co-owner Joakim Almqvist stresses no speculation: 'We suspect nothing else. We know nothing.' The outbreak is believed to have affected over 100 people, with hundreds of hospital visits. It is unclear when the restaurant will reopen, as a new menu and ingredients will be needed post-sanitization.