Domino’s Pizza: Sydney outlet shut down after food hygiene, safety breaches

Shocking images have revealed the horror state of a popular Domino’s Pizza outlet, with live cockroaches seen crawling on the walls and dirt inside food appliances. See the photos:

Live cockroaches have been seen crawling on walls inside a Domino’s Pizza outlet has led to the venue being sensationally shut down by head office.

A council food inspection, prompted from a customer complaint which alleged a cockroach was baked inside a pizza purchased from the Chatswood business, uncovered the shocking scenes which included dirty food preparation areas, dirt inside food appliances and sticky computer keyboards.

The corporate office of Dominos has since taken possession of the franchised pizza outlet on Railway St in response to food hygiene and safety breaches uncovered by Willoughby Council compliance officers in March.

The inspection on March 24 saw the outlet fined $1760 for the offences of failing to take all practicable measures to eradicate and prevent the harbourage of pests, and failing to maintain all fixtures, fittings and equipment to the required standard of cleanliness.

Shock photos taken during the inspection showed a live cockroach crawling on a wall, another live cockroach and egg casings on the floor, and newly hatched cockroaches in a sticky trap.

A photo of a live cockroach and egg casings seen by inspectors during the inspection.

A photo of a dirty container seen at the restaurant.

The inspection also uncovered dirt and food residue building up inside a pizza dough rolling machine, food residue in a can opener and a computer keyboard, unclean surfaces in food preparation areas and dirty containers.

Willoughby Council said the restaurant had received previous warnings for the offence of failing to ensure fixtures, fittings and/or equipment were clean during two previous inspections last May.

A photo of built up dirt and food residue in a can opener at the restaurant.

Built up dirt and food residue was also seen inside a pizza dough rolling machine.

Domino’s Pizza, in a statement, said the company “agreed” with the council’s determination that the store did not meet strict requirements for food safety and hygiene.

“Domino’s agrees with council’s determination, which is why Domino’s Corporate took full possession of this store last week and closed it immediately to undertake renovation works including repairing, replacing and deep cleaning all equipment, and sanitising food preparation areas and utensils in accordance with Domino’s high food safety standards,” a Domino’s spokeswoman said.

A photo of a live cockroach seen on a wall at the restaurant during the inspection.

The restaurant fronts on to the Chatswood pedestrian mall.

“This store will not reopen until it has been fully repaired, deep cleaned, and awarded an updated food safety license.

“Domino’s takes food safety extremely seriously and apologies to local customers.

“We will work with the local council to ensure the new store meets all council and Domino’s standards prior to reopening under new management.”

A Willoughby Council spokesman said the council was committed to ensuring food businesses in the local government area comply with food standards.

Built up food residue was discovered on a computer keyboard at the business.

A photo of young cockroaches – or nymphs – seen in a sticky trap.

“Most businesses in our area do the right thing and put the interests of their customers first when it comes to food safety. However, our actions in relation to this premises shows that we take food safety extremely seriously and will act when needed to ensure businesses are taking the right steps to guarantee the health and safety of their customers,” he said.

“Keeping fixtures, fittings and equipment in a food business clean minimises the likelihood of food contamination and discourages pests.

“Council applies a combination of education and enforcement to uphold compliance with the Food Standards Code, which is the minimum requirement for food safety and safeguards the health of our community.”

The fines come after figures showed Chatswood had the state’s highest number of venues fined for food safety breaches in 2021 with 18 infringements issued to 11 businesses.

The council has encouraged restaurants to maintain food standards by accessing educational information available on the Food Authority website. Council staff also provide businesses with resources including printed and electronic materials.