Holroyd City Council Successful Again in Food Prosecution
A Merrylands food business was fined $9,000 plus professional costs in the Parramatta Local Court on Monday (2 June) after pleading guilty to breaching food laws. This is Council’s third food business prosecution in the past ten months.
The judgment saw the proprietor of the Kirkuk Castle, of Merrylands Road, Merrylands fined and ordered to pay Holroyd City Council’s legal/professional costs and court costs totalling more than $9800.
The food safety offences, under the Australian and New Zealand Standards Code, included:
- Failed to prepare potentially hazardous food under temperature control
- Failed to display potentially hazardous food under temperature control
- Failed to provide soap and single use towels for hand washing
- Failed to maintain the premises to a standard of cleanliness
- Failed to prevent and eradicate pests
- Failed to ensure the floors could be effectively cleaned
The charges related to a routine inspection, which occurred in April this year. In handing out judgement, Justice Russell considered current financial situation of the owner of the business and the potential public health risk.
In light of the recent prosecutions by Holroyd City Council, all food businesses within the Holroyd local government area are reminded that food safety should be their highest priority. As part of the food business inspection process, Council’s Environmental Health Officer takes the opportunity during the inspection to discuss changes to food related legislation and offer professional advice and instruction on food-related matters to proprietors of food businesses and their staff.
Mayor Clr Dr Brodie said: “Through this process, Council is looking after the best interests of the community by reducing contamination which often leads to ill health.”
For further information contact the Media Relations and Promotions Manager on 9840 9717, 0416 105 029 or email web2@holroyd.nsw.gov.au.