Rat Sushi

[Mulboyne]

[Mulboyne]

SMH: Sushi business fined over rats

A FOOD manufacturing business has been fined more than $60,000 and convicted by a court after it was found to be infested with rats. Sushi World's Camperdown premises were closed by the NSW Food Authority after an inspection in November 2006 revealed it was a "risk to public health", the Chief Industrial Magistrates Court heard. Inspectors who toured the premises found rat faeces scattered over the floor, on equipment and in food-processing areas. Two 12.5-kilogram bags of flour had been "gnawed open by rodents" and one of the creatures was seen in the food storage area, the court heard. The inspection revealed unclean conditions throughout, including a heavy build-up of black grease over wooden floors, and unclean cooking pots. The NSW Chief Industrial Magistrate, George Miller, said Sushi World's failure to adhere to parts of the food standards code indicated "serious shortfalls in basic food handling", and the company's continued breaches from November 2006 to May 2007 suggested a "disturbing willingness to run a food business without regard for basic hygiene standards". Sushi World was charged with seven offences, including failing to stop producing and selling products to consumers after being ordered to cease trading. During the hearing its director, Suk Joon Song, said trade decreased by 50 per cent due to negative publicity after the charges had been made public.

Mr Song was charged with three offences and pleaded guilty to being the director of a company that failed to comply with the food standards code. Mr Miller said there was no evidence that food produced at the premises was contaminated and Mr Song had employed pest controllers and laid rat bait to try to eradicate the problem. Mr Miller fined the company $61,500 and put Mr Song on a two-year good behaviour bond in an attempt to deter others from breaking the law. "It is also important that consumers are confident that product they purchase is safe to eat," he said. Sushi World no longer operates from the Camperdown premises but has opened a factory in Meadowbank, which has been approved by the NSW Food Authority. Two remaining charges against Mr Song have been adjourned by consent to a date after the fines are paid.