Health authorities shut down Rome food market over sanitation irregularities.

Rome health authorities shut down the city's Nuovo Mercato Esquilino fruit and vegetable market on 2 November for irregularities relating to the market's sanitation facilities.

The closure came after repeated requests from Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) to upgrade the market's sanitation were allegedly ignored.

However traders argue that the works requested – which included upgrading the market's toilet facilities and installing covers to keep pigeons out – are the responsibility of the city.

A meeting regarding the reopening of the market is expected to take place on 3 November.

Located in the multicultural Esquilino neighbourhood near Termini station, the market offers a huge range of ethnic food including vegetables, spices, olives, cheese, meat and fish, but is best known for stocking hard-to-find exotic ingredients such as herbs and spices.

The Nuovo Mercato Esquilino opened in 2004, in a former barracks building, replacing the sprawling outdoor market in nearby Piazza Vittorio. It has entrances on Via Principe Amedeo, Via Mamiani, Via Turati and Via Lamarmora.