ROME -- Two restaurants have been shut down in Campo de' Fiori for extreme lack of hygiene, after a blitz by the city's sanitation inspectors. "The Romanesca" restaurant was found to be excessively dirty whilst the wine bar "Roma Beer Company" was home to roaches and larvae.

 The two spaces have been closed and will be subject to heavy sanctions. They will only be allowed to reopen following rigorous inspection by the ASL, Rome's sanitation services. The period taken for insect and larvae disinfection is normally between 10 and 15 days.

 These controls are linked to a wider anti-evasion operation directed by the Rome central urban monitoring office, focused on the verification of licences, tax-paying and hygiene standards.

 On Tuesday afternoon patrols arrested and sanctioned tens of illegal sellers, many of who had their merchandise confiscated after it was found hidden in plastic bags. Last week the San Pietro bar was also closed for poor hygiene standards.

 These controls are expected to continue in the coming days.   ft