Victorian restaurants hit with hefty fines for food safety breaches
Victorian diners have been placed at risk by a slew of restaurants slapped with substantial fines for food safety violations. A recent crackdown has exposed a disturbing pattern of unsanitary conditions and blatant disregard for public health, resulting in over $443,000 in court-imposed penalties.
Last year alone, 15 Victorian eateries were convicted of breaching food safety regulations, further burdened by nearly $250,000 in legal fees. This follows a separate wave of enforcement, with 13 Melbourne councils issuing over 306 infringement notices, totalling more than $460,000 in fines.
The state's "name and shame" list includes notable establishments such as the now-closed Cupanda Kitchen on A'Beckett Street, notorious for its mouse-infested conditions, and Criniti's in Carlton, famed for its two-metre-long pizzas.
City of Melbourne, Greater Geelong, and Boroondara each saw three restaurants within their jurisdictions convicted.
Four of the 15 convicted businesses have since ceased operations.
While Victoria's 2024 offender list is comparatively shorter than those of other states, the breaches are severe.
Western Australia saw 17 food businesses, including well-known chains like Hungry Jack's and Muffin Break, convicted between January 2024 and early 2025. New South Wales, although recording only two convictions with nearly $60,000 in fines, issued a staggering $800,000 in penalty notices to over 900 businesses. Brisbane similarly witnessed 47 restaurants fined over $650,000 for various breaches, including cockroach infestations, pest droppings, and even a dead bird found within kitchen premises.
In Victoria, Cupanda Kitchen was said to have operated in "revolting" conditions, with rat droppings contaminating cooked meat and utensils. Criniti's Carlton was fined $65,000 for failing to protect food from contamination and prevent pest harbourage. Empress of China in Chinatown was fined $10,000 for selling food "not of the nature or substance demanded," a repeat offense following a $26,000 fine in 2018.
Tirupati Indian Grocery Mini Mart and Restaurant Werribee faced County Court prosecution for severe breaches, including unsafe food handling, pest control failures, and inadequate handwashing facilities, resulting in a $46,000 fine and $80,000 in court costs.
Sarawak Kitchen in Clayton was found with rat droppings and dead rodents in contact with meat, leading to a $45,000 fine.
Groundworks Cafe in Ballarat had rodent droppings in sugar containers and raw meat juice contaminating fridges, resulting in a $40,000 fine.
Shinya Ramen & Bar in Geelong, now closed, had staff failing to wash hands after handling raw chicken, mould growth, and uncovered meat, leading to a $25,000 fine.
Routley's Bakery in North Geelong was fined $10,000 after a 15-year-old student with an egg allergy was hospitalised due to a mislabelled product.
Now & Then Cafe in Kew was fined $30,000 for failing to prevent food contamination, maintain handwashing facilities, and control pests. Bay View Bar and Grill in Geelong, also closed, was fined $38,000 for unsafe food handling, improper storage, and operating unregistered.
LTJ Food Services in Surrey Hills was fined $10,000 for incorrect food storage and poor hygiene.
La Tune Food Solution in Dandenong was fined $50,000 for temperature control and food processing breaches.
Finally, Bunplings in Burwood East was fined $40,000 for incorrect food packaging and storage.
The significant fines serve as a reminder to food businesses that non-compliance will not be tolerated.
Jonathan Jackson, 27th February 2025
