The owner of an Indian restaurant has been ordered to pay $25,000 in fine and costs over filthy and unsafe food practices.
Dinesh Gourisetty, the owner of Indi Hots Catering in Hoppers Crossing in Melbourne’s west pleaded guilty to eleven charges relating to cleanliness and food handling practices.
Wyndham Council inspectors found rat feces and bags of open food stored on the floor besides oil and grease build-up in the kitchen, the Herald Sun reported.
Mr Gourisetty, who was a Liberal party candidate for the upper house in the last Victorian State election, pleaded guilty to charges including handling food in an unsafe manner and failing to comply with food standards.
The Wyndham Council said some violations had occurred for an extended period, including failing to take measures to eradicate and prevent pests from the premises, failing to maintain cleanliness and storing food in an unsafe manner.
Mr Gourisetty was ordered to pay $15,000 in fine and $10,000 costs.
Wyndham City Councillor Kim McAliney said food inspectors regularly check all food outlets and the council tries to resolve any issues that come up.
“If Council’s advice is not complied with the food outlet is given a formal order and Council ensures the food safety issue is dealt with in a timely manner,” Cr McAliney said.
“While the majority of food premises comply with regulations, Council has no hesitation in prosecuting proprietors who do not meet our hygiene standards because the health and safety of our community is our priority.”
“Prosecution is undertaken in specific circumstances, such as when the risk is deemed as severe; when a history of non-compliance and repeat non-compliance exists or when food premises operators demonstrate an unwillingness to co-operate and comply with relevant legislation.”
“All food premises operators have a responsibility to ensure the appropriate food safety and hygiene practices are in place.”
Mr Gourisetty told SBS Punjabi that though the business was registered in his name, he wasn't managing its operations when the council officials visited the business in March 2018. He said it had been subleased to an associate.
Indi Hots restaurant isn’t trading any longer.
