Popular restaurant gets $23,000 fine for violating one vital rule
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Eating in trendy restaurants should be a great experience.
People may come for the food, but the ambience and the service also play huge parts in the overall experience.
In a shocking turn of events, a popular restaurant has been slapped with a hefty fine after health inspectors uncovered conditions that can only be stomach-churning.
During King Tea Chinese's routine inspection, council officers found a scene of a diner's nightmare: mould flourishing in the kitchen and disturbing sight of rodent droppings scattered throughout the premises.
The discovery was both revolting and a severe health hazard to patrons.
The restaurant's parent company, Livin La Vida Latroba Pty Ltd, along with its General Manager, Dane Huitfeldt, faced the Brisbane Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to ten breaches of the Food Act 2006.
The breaches were so severe that Magistrate Julian Noud didn't mince words when he described the conditions as 'simply revolting'.
The fine imposed on the company amounted to $23,000, while Huitfeldt himself was fined $2,500.
Council Prosecutor Amye Fairbairn highlighted the gravity of the situation, pointing out that the findings posed an 'active risk' of contamination.
'Faeces were found in multiple places around the premises, including both in food preparation areas, storage areas and dining areas,' Ms Fairbarn said.
Defence Solicitor Adam Dwyer expressed his clients were 'embarrassed and remorseful' over the state of the kitchen.
Despite Huitfeldt's otherwise 'exemplary' record and his management of four other restaurants, it was clear that something needed to be fixed at King Tea Chinese.
'Huitfeldt accepts the fact that ultimately it's his responsibility to ensure compliance and then ultimately, all of this falls within his area of responsibility,' Dwyer said.
'But clearly, the person that he employed to manage this business had let things go.’
Magistrate Noud acknowledged these defences from the restaurant.
'The defendant understands the serious consequences of his offending and has importantly taken steps to ensure that, at least for him, it doesn't happen again in the future,' Noud said.
Food safety is one of the things people need to be wary about—regardless if it’s restaurant food or items on the supermarket shelves.
In a previous report, a couple of frozen entrees and a beloved pantry staple were recalled due to undeclared allergens.
Have you ever encountered a similar situation while dining out? What should be the consequences for establishments that fail to meet food safety standards? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
People may come for the food, but the ambience and the service also play huge parts in the overall experience.
In a shocking turn of events, a popular restaurant has been slapped with a hefty fine after health inspectors uncovered conditions that can only be stomach-churning.
During King Tea Chinese's routine inspection, council officers found a scene of a diner's nightmare: mould flourishing in the kitchen and disturbing sight of rodent droppings scattered throughout the premises.
The discovery was both revolting and a severe health hazard to patrons.
Chinese restaurant King Tea, famous for its Asian food and bar drinks, now faces fines after ten breaches of the Food Act 2006. Image Credit: Facebook/King Tea Chinese Kitchen and Bar
The restaurant's parent company, Livin La Vida Latroba Pty Ltd, along with its General Manager, Dane Huitfeldt, faced the Brisbane Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to ten breaches of the Food Act 2006.
The breaches were so severe that Magistrate Julian Noud didn't mince words when he described the conditions as 'simply revolting'.
The fine imposed on the company amounted to $23,000, while Huitfeldt himself was fined $2,500.
Council Prosecutor Amye Fairbairn highlighted the gravity of the situation, pointing out that the findings posed an 'active risk' of contamination.
'Faeces were found in multiple places around the premises, including both in food preparation areas, storage areas and dining areas,' Ms Fairbarn said.
Defence Solicitor Adam Dwyer expressed his clients were 'embarrassed and remorseful' over the state of the kitchen.
Despite Huitfeldt's otherwise 'exemplary' record and his management of four other restaurants, it was clear that something needed to be fixed at King Tea Chinese.
'Huitfeldt accepts the fact that ultimately it's his responsibility to ensure compliance and then ultimately, all of this falls within his area of responsibility,' Dwyer said.
'But clearly, the person that he employed to manage this business had let things go.’
Magistrate Noud acknowledged these defences from the restaurant.
'The defendant understands the serious consequences of his offending and has importantly taken steps to ensure that, at least for him, it doesn't happen again in the future,' Noud said.
Food safety is one of the things people need to be wary about—regardless if it’s restaurant food or items on the supermarket shelves.
In a previous report, a couple of frozen entrees and a beloved pantry staple were recalled due to undeclared allergens.
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