Prosecutions serve up warning to food businesses

as posted on COG site

The City’s Health Services has issued a warning to food premises owners to ensure they comply with the Health Act after a number of serious breaches have resulted in prosecutions this year.

Last month, a Canning Vale food manufacturer received a $5300 fine for six breaches under the Health Act after an inspection revealed that the premises were not being maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

City of Gosnells Acting Chief Executive Officer Trevor Perkins said the prosecution came about despite previous warnings and verbal advice to the proprietor on at least two occasions earlier in the year.

“Unfortunately, this has not been the only food premises owner prosecuted this year for similar offences,” he said.

“A bakery and a restaurant owner were also fined $3600 and $5100, respectively for failing to meet food hygiene health regulations.”

Mr Perkins said it was disturbing that a significant number of food premises proprietors had not complied with legislative obligations despite all of them being issued with multiple prior warnings.

“Customers have a right to expect that food is prepared in clean conditions and quite simply, proprietors who fail to comply with food legislation can expect to be prosecuted.”

Last July, penalties for non-compliance increased with the introduction of the Food Act 2008. Individuals can now face penalties of up $50,000 and $250,000 for corporations, as well as newspaper publication of the names of anyone convicted of an offence.

To contact the City’s Health Services office, please call 9391 3222 or visit the website (see Services) for information on food safety.


as posted on COG site