Sushi Shops Fined $41K Over Cockroach Infestation

ACT Magistrates Court sentenced Sizzle Bento and Roll-A-Sushi, owned by parent company World Fashion Food Pty Ltd on 11 criminal charges for the breaches of food standards. The decision was served on Monday, Jan. 18. Likewise, the Court also imposed a $41,000 fine for the owner.

The decision of the court was based on the legal documents filed by the health authorities. The report said that the inspectors discovered a cockroach infestation, a dishwasher that repeatedly recycled dirty water, and an overheated display cabinet -- all during the May 2011 raid.

A follow-up raid on the said restaurant in September 2011 was conducted. And apparently, the inspection team again uncovered numerous of food and safety breaches. During the second random assessment, inspectors noticed some cockroaches crawling in the food prep area as well as some holes in the ceilings and floors -- allowing the insects to enter the kitchen.

In addition, authorities also discovered that the other foods in the restaurants were not stored properly and the preparation area was filled with dirt and grease. Moreover, the authorities said that the recommended sushi display cabinet should be set at least 5 degrees or less, but the eatery used to set their cabinet at 10 degrees.

More so, health authorities discovered that the restaurant's utensils and dishes were filthy and unsafe to use. This is due to its dysfunctional drainage -- causing the dishwasher to reuse water.

"[The restaurants] were in a disgusting state. It's quite clear [in both restaurants] the failure to maintain equipment and utensils was quite disgusting. The photographs speak for themselves," Special Magistrate Margaret Hunter explained.

The court further added that despite the fact that it is incumbent on food businesses to maintain cleanliness and to ensure safety standards. More so, these are all expected to be observed and followed by the employees at all times. Thus, the said restaurants still failed to resolve the issues, including proper food handling, storage as well as proper training on staff and pest control measures.