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A Sydney noodle manufacturer has been fined a total of $27,000 and ordered to pay professional costs of $9,000 after he pleaded guilty in the Downing Centre Local Court to thirteen charges relating to failures in hygiene, construction failures and harbouring pests on food premises.
On Wednesday 16 August 2017, Mr Ba Can Lieu, trading as MC Yee Noodle Factory, of Homebush was fined under section 21 of the Food Act 2003 for thirteen offences relating to failing to comply with the Food Standards Code with regard to the conduct of a food business or food for sale or intended for sale.
In facts tendered to the court NSW Food Authority officers inspecting the premises noted the walls, floors and ceiling of the building were not sealed and didn’t prevent the entry of pests, that there was pest, rodent and cockroach activity within the food processing and storage areas, that food wasn’t adequately protected from potential contamination and that surfaces, fittings, fixtures and equipment were unclean with accumulation of food waste, grease, oil and other visible matter.
Acting CEO of the NSW Food Authority Dr Craig Shadbolt said the court result served as a reminder to all food businesses and individuals as to why food safety systems are crucial.
“This really is a reminder for businesses to put some thought to upholding the highest food safety standards, if you do the wrong thing you will suffer the consequences,” Dr Shadbolt said.
“We demand a high level of food safety is upheld across the food supply chain because it serves as an important protection measure of public health.
“NSW consumers deserve to have confidence in knowing the food they purchase is safe to eat and will cause no harm to them or their family.”
“Food businesses are obliged to keep their premises clean and properly maintained and ensure their food is safe and suitable for human consumption and comply with the standards in the NSW Food Act 2003,” Dr Shadbolt said.
“NSW consumers enjoy an excellent level of protection and can take comfort in knowing the NSW Food Authority is the only through-chain food regulatory agency in Australia, ensuring oversight from paddock to plate.”
Further information about current food safety breaches in NSW can be found on the NSW Food Authority’s Name and Shame register at www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/offences