Werribee food premises fined $126,000 for unsafe food practices

The owner of a Werribee food premises has been convicted of 26 charges relating to unsafe food practices under the Food Act 1984 and has been ordered to pay fines and costs of $126,000.    

The proprietor pleaded guilty to all charges at a County Court of Victoria hearing earlier this year, relating to the cleanliness of the premises, unsatisfactory food handling practices and assaulting an authorised officer performing their duties under the Food Act 1984.

Specific offences over an extended period include, but are not limited to:

Failure to handle food that was intended for sale in a safe manner Failure to maintain a level of cleanliness to prevent a build-up of food waste, grease or other visible matter Failure to take all practicable measures to eradicate and prevent pests from the premises Storing or packaging food in a manner that did not prevent its contamination and may have affected its safety and suitability Failure to have easily accessible hand washing facilities for food handlers Failure of food handlers to take all practicable measures when handling food to ensure that food is protected from contamination Failure to ensure the food premises, fixtures, fittings and equipment were in a good state of repair and working order

Wyndham City Mayor, Councillor Jennie Barrera, welcomed the conviction.

“Safe food handling practices is a matter Wyndham City takes very seriously, and Council inspects all 1718 food premises across our City regularly,” Cr Barrera said.

“While the vast majority of food premises comply with regulations, Council has no hesitation in prosecuting proprietors who do not meet our high hygiene standards because the health and safety of our community is our priority.

“In this instance, prosecution was undertaken due to an extended history of non-compliance with relevant legislation.”

“All food premises operators have a responsibility to ensure the appropriate food safety and hygiene practises are in place.”

Council’s Public and Environmental Health Unit is available to provide advice to operators who are unsure of their responsibilities. For more information call 1300 023 411, or visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au  

For more information relating to the conviction, visit: www.health.vic.gov.au/food-safety/food-safety-register-of-convictions