We achieved a significant result in the Magistrates Court last week following a Food Act prosecution.
The business was inspected on Monday 29 July 2024 as part of an annual Food Act inspection. The inspection uncovered offences around unsafe or unsuitable food handling and lack of hygiene, and the business being in a state of disrepair.
The following day, the business was issued a Closure Order signed by the CEO, and a significant amount of food was seized. After undertaking remedial works, the business reopened five days later.
Environmental Health Officer Mel Howes led the investigation and prepared the prosecution brief. This was Mel's first time as the lead officer, and her thorough and well-documented case prompted the business to engage a lawyer and indicated they would be entering a plea of guilty.
The court convicted the proprietor, imposing a $18,000 fine along with $6,000 in agreed legal costs. The Magistrate emphasised the seriousness of the offences, stating the decision should send a message to other food businesses.
This outcome is a testament to the professionalism and diligence of our Environmental Health team. Congratulations to Mel Howes on an outstanding first lead case.