A western suburbs restaurant has been hit with a $40,000 fine due to a rat infestation.
In a decision published last week, The Kitchen on Cambridge in Wembley and its owner Chau Huynh were both convicted over a string of 10 charges between August and November last year.
On August 11, the restaurant sold food that was unsuitable and between November 3 and 5 it was found to breach rules on harbourage of pest, storage of food to protect from contamination, storage of potentially hazardous foods under temperature control, cleanliness of premises, cleanliness of equipment, state of repair of premises and provide single-use towels at hand washing facilities.
Between November 3 and 10, the restaurant was found to have breached the law on skills in food safety and food hygiene and knowledge of food safety and food hygiene.
Kitchen on Cambridge was fined $40,000 for all 10 charges, as well as costs of $1417.30.
A Town of Cambridge acting CEO Roy Ruitenga said a Food Premises Assessment by the Town’s Senior Environmental Health Officer found evidence of “an extensive rodent (rat) infestation throughout the premises.”
The inspector also found “serious breaches of cleanliness, and storage of potentially hazardous food out of temperature control.”
“The Town’s Health Services conducted the legal sampling of food items for microbiological analyses,” Mr Ruitenga said.
“The disposal of boxes of takeaway containers due to contamination and harbourage of rodents, an extensive pest control program and a deep clean and sanitise throughout the premises, including all fittings and fixture and eating and drinking utensils occurred.
“Once the proprietor remedied the critical non-compliances the Town completed clearance microbiological swabs of eating and drinking utensils and processing equipment that were analysed by PathWest Government Food Laboratory.”
Mr Ruitenga said the business cooperated with the Town during all inspections and completed requested works by instructed dates.
“The Town of Cambridge prides itself on the excellent selection of dining options in our area. Every food-serving business is required to register and comply with State legislation and local laws as set out on our website,” he said.
“The Town regularly conducts inspections of premises to ensure compliance and we hope that the size of this fine will serve as a reminder to maintain that high standard expected by the public.”
The restaurant did not respond to requests for comment.
It is listed as ‘permanently closed’ online and its landline has been disconnected.
On its website, the restaurant described itself as being “all about bringing good food and positive vibes to the local community” and specialising in “modern cuisine that celebrates” Australian produce.
The WA Department of Health also revealed Beckenham Fish N Treat was fined $100,000 for 10 breaches and Coogee Cafe was fined $5000 for one count of sale of food that was unsuitable.