Butcher shop prosecuted for breaches of the Food Act 1984

PrimeSafe has laid five charges against a butcher shop in St Albans for allegedly failing to comply with the Food Standards Code in the conduct of a food business.

The charges relate to allegations of inadequate temperature control, failure to minimise the likelihood of food contamination, and the standard of cleanliness at the premises.

PrimeSafe detected this alleged offending through its unannounced surveillance program, in which PrimeSafe officers conduct inspections of meat and seafood businesses to ensure food safety obligations are being met.

PrimeSafe Chief Executive Officer Michael Coffey reminded meat and seafood producers and retailers that they are required to comply with their food safety obligations at all times, and those who fail to do so may face prosecution.

“The Food Standards Code imposes obligations on food businesses for good reason,” Mr Coffey said.

“Those who choose not to follow these rules can be prosecuted and face a fine of up to $40,000 for an individual or $200,000 for a corporation.”

Anyone with information about non-compliant meat or seafood businesses in Victoria should contact PrimeSafe at info@primesafe.vic.gov.au

Media enquiries: Susan McNair, 0439 389 202 or susan@curriecommunications.com.au