A WYNDHAM restaurant owner has been prosecuted under the Food Act and ordered to pay fines and costs totalling $24,156.
The proprietor of Sammy’s Restaurant in Werribee pleaded guilty to 11 charges relating to the cleanliness of the premises and unsatisfactory food handling practices.
Wyndham mayor Shane Bourke said the cleanliness and appropriate management of food premises in Wyndham was an issue the council took very seriously.
“Wyndham Council will not tolerate poor hygiene practices at any food premises. We have previously refused to renew Sammy’s Restaurant’s food registration for failure to meet requirements of the Food Act,” Cr Bourke said.
“All food premises operators have a responsibility to ensure the appropriate food safety and hygiene practices are in place”
In the past year, Wyndham Council’s environmental health unit has inspected 695 food premises and carried out 699 follow up inspections to ensure businesses operates according to the requirements of the Food Act.
Prosecution is undertaken in specific circumstances, such as when the risk is assesses as severe, when a history of non-compliance exists or when food premises operators demonstrate an unwillingness to co-operate and comply with relevant legislation.
Sammy’s Restaurant were unable to comment.
Wyndham’s environmental health unit is available to provide advice to operators who are unsure of their responsibilities. The unit can be contacted on 9742 0738.
