City government fines Nando’s $160,000 over ‘filthy’ violations
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Content Warning: This article contains descriptions and images of rodent infestations, unsanitary conditions, and filth in food establishments. Reader discretion is advised.
Dining out is one of life's simple pleasures, especially for those of us who have spent decades mastering our own kitchens. It's a chance to sit back, relax, and let someone else do the cooking.
But what happens when the trust we place in our favourite eateries is shattered by a discovery so foul it makes your stomach turn?
This was the case for a Nando's outlet in Perth, which was recently fined a hefty $160,000 after a routine inspection revealed a scene straight out of a horror movie.
The Willetton branch of the popular Portuguese chicken brand was found to be in violation of 10 different breaches of the Food Act 2008.
Images taken by an inspector showed a dead rat lying under the sink and rodent droppings found on a box of tomatoes and scattered across the floor. The kitchen was also filthy, with mouldy surfaces and walls splattered with grease.
City of Canning mayor Patrick Hall didn't mince words when he described the situation.
‘A rodent infestation was identified at the premises, which was considered to be a very serious public health risk,’ he said.
Hall added that evidence of rodents was rampant throughout the food preparation and storage areas.
Nando’s was directed to shut down immediately to address the food safety issues.
‘The business responded by closing, rectifying the cleanliness, maintenance, rodent infestation and related food safety matters and then subsequently reopened,' Hall said.
'The seriousness of the food safety risks were such that legal action was warranted and in the public interest.’
The Willetton outlet was also convicted for selling food past its use-by date, failing to avoid food waste, dirt, and grease accumulation, and failing to prevent food contamination.
The equipment was not maintained to a clean standard and was in poor repair, and the restaurant lacked easily accessible hand-washing facilities.
After a thorough re-inspection, officials have since issued a certificate allowing the Nando's branch to reopen, hopefully with a renewed commitment to the health and safety of its customers.
It’s understood that Nando’s Willetton branch and its Australian head office have yet to comment on the incident.
In a similar story, a Woolworths-owned store in New Zealand was forced to close due to a rodent infestation, with footage of rats on the shelves going viral.
24 rats have been caught in one week since closing, and the store will remain shut until no rodents are detected. You can read more about the story here.
Have you ever encountered a situation where a restaurant's hygiene was not up to scratch? What actions did you take? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Dining out is one of life's simple pleasures, especially for those of us who have spent decades mastering our own kitchens. It's a chance to sit back, relax, and let someone else do the cooking.
But what happens when the trust we place in our favourite eateries is shattered by a discovery so foul it makes your stomach turn?
This was the case for a Nando's outlet in Perth, which was recently fined a hefty $160,000 after a routine inspection revealed a scene straight out of a horror movie.
The Willetton branch of the popular Portuguese chicken brand was found to be in violation of 10 different breaches of the Food Act 2008.
Nando’s has been fined $160,000 over food safety violations. Credit: Shutterstock
Images taken by an inspector showed a dead rat lying under the sink and rodent droppings found on a box of tomatoes and scattered across the floor. The kitchen was also filthy, with mouldy surfaces and walls splattered with grease.
City of Canning mayor Patrick Hall didn't mince words when he described the situation.
‘A rodent infestation was identified at the premises, which was considered to be a very serious public health risk,’ he said.
Hall added that evidence of rodents was rampant throughout the food preparation and storage areas.
Nando’s was directed to shut down immediately to address the food safety issues.
‘The business responded by closing, rectifying the cleanliness, maintenance, rodent infestation and related food safety matters and then subsequently reopened,' Hall said.
'The seriousness of the food safety risks were such that legal action was warranted and in the public interest.’
Inspectors stumbled upon a dead rat, rodent poo on a box of tomatoes, and filthy walls. Credit: City of Canning
The Willetton outlet was also convicted for selling food past its use-by date, failing to avoid food waste, dirt, and grease accumulation, and failing to prevent food contamination.
The equipment was not maintained to a clean standard and was in poor repair, and the restaurant lacked easily accessible hand-washing facilities.
After a thorough re-inspection, officials have since issued a certificate allowing the Nando's branch to reopen, hopefully with a renewed commitment to the health and safety of its customers.
It’s understood that Nando’s Willetton branch and its Australian head office have yet to comment on the incident.
In a similar story, a Woolworths-owned store in New Zealand was forced to close due to a rodent infestation, with footage of rats on the shelves going viral.
24 rats have been caught in one week since closing, and the store will remain shut until no rodents are detected. You can read more about the story here.
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