Salty’s Grill and Cafe has been fined along with its owner for food safety breaches

A Brisbane fish and chips shop has been slapped with a huge fine after enough rodent droppings were found in its kitchen to indicate a “clear infestation”.

A Brisbane fish and chips shop has been fined thousands after authorities discovered a significant presence of rodent droppings indicating a clear “infestation”.

Ferny Grove’s Salty’s Grill and Cafe today pleaded guilty to seven counts of failing to comply with requirements imposed by the food standards code.

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Owner Joshika Sinha pleaded guilty to seven counts of executive officer must ensure the corporation complies with the act.

The Brisbane Magistrates Courts heard the offences occurred in March 2019 when council inspectors uncovered rodent poo, improper food storage and uncleanliness.

Brisbane City Council prosecutor Jac Thong said droppings were found on a tea towel, next to a measuring spoon and butter, in a storage box containing takeaway cups and other areas of the kitchen.

“The amount of rodent faeces demonstrates there was a clear rodent infestation at the premises particularly concerning is it increases the risk that food may become contaminated,” he said.

“Rodents have the potential to carry harmful bacteria which can be transmitted to humans when a rodent or faeces make contact with food items and food contact surfaces including those single use cups potentially.”

Salty's Grill and Cafe at Ferny Grove. Picture: Facebook

The presence of baits and a trap indicated the business was aware of the problem but had not taken effective measures such as professional pest control services.

Salty’s food licence was immediately suspended however prompt action rectifying the issues saw it lifted three days later. A follow up inspection in May found no evidence of pest activity.

The court heard Salty’s received a zero star rating in council’s Eat Safe scheme after an inspection identified major noncompliances in 2017, however the business nor Sinha had any prior convictions.

Sinha’s lawyer Grant Young said the business was located near a creek and train station which “increases the rodent issues”.

In the lead up to the offences Sinha had a reduced involvement with the business due to personal issues and was reliant on a supervisor.

She has since engaged a consultancy business which does inspections and trains staff.

“She‘s shown a commitment to compliance … and she has certainly learnt her lesson,” he said.

The business was running at a loss due to the COVID-19 impact, he said.

Salty’s was fined $22,000 and Sinha was fined $1000. Convictions were not recorded.

Originally published as Salty’s Grill and Cafe has been fined along with its owner for food safety breaches