She was a star on social media. Over a million and a half followers, hundreds of customers every day, and videos capable of racking up thousands of views. These numbers made her a true influencer of the sfogliatella, which made the café-cum-corner shop Marianella, a neighborhood in the north of Naples, one of the most “viral” places in the city.
But when the police and the staff of the Naples 1 Local Health Authority knocked on the door, the glittering web showcase crumbled in a matter of minutes. Behind the counter and in the laboratories, the military found a reality far different from the glossy one depicted on video reels.
During the inspection, two workers were immediately identified as being completely undeclared. A massive fine of approximately €36 was immediately imposed, followed by another €24 in administrative penalties. But that's not all: on the hygiene and sanitation front, the inspectors found three serious non-compliances, seizing 450 kilograms of food in poor condition or without traceability. A third fine of €5 specifically targeted these violations.
The owner was reported to the judicial authorities. The business, a flagship social media site for the neighborhood, was immediately suspended. For now, followers can do nothing but watch.
It seems like a bizarre but also predictable story. The internet showed a bright world and then the truth came out in a few minutes. The checks found workers in black and expired or untraceable food but the followers remain confused and don't know how to react and everything seems to have changed.