Cockroach infested restaurant fined $30K

China Bar in the Westfield Carousel shopping centre was fined $30,000 and was temporarily closed after its previous owners were found to breach the Food Act during inspections between January 16 and 20.

The former owners of Perth restaurant, Ya Ao Corporate Services Pty Ltd, were prosecuted by the City of Canning who secured convictions earlier this month.

“The City monitors and enforces food safety standards, which are critical in preventing food-borne illness,” Canning Mayor Patrick Hall said.

“The City inspected the food business on January 16, 2023, issuing a work order requiring action be taken to rectify the alleged breaches.”

Hall said the business failed in its food and safety duties after being inspected by the City’s Environmental Health Officers. Charges included failing to eradicate and prevent the harborage of cockroaches and failing to maintain the premises and equipment to the appropriate level of cleanliness.

Equipment was not in a good state of repair and did not adequately protect food from contamination. The business also failed to ensure employees had the food safety skills and knowledge commensurate with their work duties.

“The City was required to issue an improvement notice and prohibition order, closing the business on January 20, 2023 until the food safety risks were resolved,” Hall said.

Mr Hall said the City provided food safety advice, and training on food safety matters to help the business resolves the non-compliances.

The Perth Central Law Courts fined Ya Ao $28,000 and charged $2,311 in court costs.

The business changed ownership in May and required a new food safety certification from the city and pest control certification.

This has been obtained without issue.

Jonathan Jackson, 20^th July 2023