Smallgoods firm faces hygiene charges

Smallgoods producer Conroy's has been charged with six breaches of hygiene standards at its plant at Bowden in Adelaide.

Court documents allege an investigation by Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA) in February last year found Conroy's stored meat in an unsheltered outside area and in a greasy chill room.

	Smallgoods firm accused of hygiene breaches

The documents said such storage risked contamination.

It is also alleged the family-owned company did not have an effective pest control program, its hand washing facilities were inappropriate and poorly located and that a soiled pallet had been stored in an area known as the "high risk room", which did not ensure hygienic production.

PIRSA said it issued Conroy's with accreditation in January 2009, which stipulated processing of meat and meat products must be in accordance with hygiene standards.

The charges are regarded as summary offences so will remain at Magistrates Court level.

At a hearing in Adelaide Magistrates Court, no plea was entered to the charges on behalf of the company and its directors Peter and Patrick Conroy, who also face charges.

The case is due to return to court for negotiations next month.

Source: ABC News, 6 February 2013