In a harrowing incident that serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance when dining out, a Perth family's celebratory dinner turned into a nightmare after a simple yet potentially fatal mistake was made at Miky's Italian Restaurant in Nedlands. Michele Lemin and her daughters, Olivia, 12, and Hannah, 11, found themselves rushing to the hospital after consuming what they believed was cranberry juice, only to discover it was mosquito repellent containing harmful chemicals.

The incident, which is now under investigation by the City of Nedlands and WA Health, unfolded when the Lemin family, looking to enjoy a meal together to mark the end of the school term, were inadvertently served a toxic substance. After being informed that apple juice was unavailable, the girls requested cranberry juice. What arrived at their table, however, was far from the fruity beverage they expected.



The girls immediately spat out the liquid after taking a gulp, sensing something was amiss. Michele, initially dismissing their concerns, tasted the drink herself and was met with the same repulsive realization. Marcus Lemin, a chemical engineer by profession, demanded to see the bottle after detecting the strong scent of citronella, a common ingredient in insect repellent.


The bottle, retrieved from the bar fridge and labeled Plus Bifenthrin, carried a prominent warning indicating the product's toxicity if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. The family, in a state of shock and concern for their health, captured photos of the bottle as evidence of the grave error.



The restaurant staff, though apologetic, initially downplayed the severity of the situation by suggesting the juice was merely old. However, the Lemins, recognizing the gravity of the mistake, wasted no time in seeking medical attention. En route to Perth Children’s Hospital, they contacted the poison information line as their daughters began to exhibit symptoms such as burning sensations, tingling in their limbs, and headaches.

While the children were triaged immediately upon arrival at the hospital, Michele also began to feel the effects of the poison, experiencing drowsiness, stomach burning, and headaches. She was advised to seek treatment at Charles Gairdner Hospital, located across the road. The following morning, the children showed signs of recovery, but Michele continued to feel unwell, with the lingering scent of citronella serving as a potent reminder of the ordeal.

This alarming event raises critical questions about food safety and the protocols in place to prevent such incidents. It underscores the need for rigorous training and awareness among restaurant staff to ensure that all consumables are correctly identified and stored, thereby safeguarding patrons from potential harm.



As the investigation continues, the incident at Miky's Italian Restaurant serves as a cautionary tale for all families. It's a stark warning that even a simple dining experience can carry risks if due diligence is not exercised by those responsible for public service.

For our readers, particularly those with young children, this story is a reminder to always be alert and to not hesitate to question anything that seems out of the ordinary when dining out. It's also a call to action for restaurants and food service establishments to review their safety protocols and ensure that all staff are adequately trained to handle and serve food and beverages.


We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences regarding food safety when dining out. Have you ever encountered a situation where a mistake by restaurant staff could have led to serious health consequences? How do you ensure the safety of your family when eating out? Join the conversation below and let us know.