Dumpling business is fined more than $44,000 and shut down after inspectors found a decomposing RAT carcass on factory equipment
- The Sydney-based business was charged with 43 offences under the Food Act
- A labelling complaint from a consumer led to an inspection of the premises
- The inspection revealed a series of hygiene and pest control offences
- Authorities found live rodents, rat excrement and a decomposed rat carcass
A dumpling company has been shut down and fined thousands of dollars after health officials found live rodents, excrement, and a rat carcass near food processing equipment.
The director Australia Yummy Pty Ltd and the business itself were fined $34,150 and $44,150 respectively and ordered to pay professional costs of $12,000 and $18,000.
On Friday, the company director pleaded guilty to 43 offences under the Food Act 2003 at the Downing Centre Local Court.
The charges related to various hygiene and pest control offences after a complaint from a consumer led to a full inspection of the Belmore based business.
On inspection, Food Authority NSW found live rodents, large amounts of rat excrement and a decomposed rat carcass on top of a machine were found in the processing area.
On inspection, Food Authority NSW found live rodents, large amounts of rat excrement and a decomposed rat carcass on top of a machine were found in the processing area (pictured)
‘As a result of these observations Food Authority officers issued a Prohibition Order that ordered that the company immediately cease trading until it was deemed compliant by the authority,’ the NSW Food Authority said in a statement.
In a follow up inspection, officials realised the business was still trading and hadn’t addressed the breaches.
The company was eventually allowed to continue trading after complying with orders, but another follow up inspection revealed more breaches.
Food Authority NSW said the issues with the dumpling company related to various hygiene and pest control offences (stock image)
A second Prohibition Order was issued to the business, forcing it to close.
NSW Food Authority CEO Dr Lisa Szabo has welcomed the outcome.
‘The vast majority of food businesses in NSW do the right thing, but for the few that fail to do so, we will take action to ensure the safety of food in NSW,’ Dr Szabo said.
‘Consumers have the right to have confidence and certainty that the food they buy and consume is manufactured and prepared in a clean and sanitary environment.’