Chrysanthemum House Doncaster East: Rat-infested Chinese restaurant fined

Rats, cockroaches and raw meat stored in washing baskets have landed a Doncaster East restaurant owner in hot water.

Chrysanthemum House Chinese restaurant in Doncaster East has been fined $15,000 after rats and cockroaches were found inside. Picture: Supplied

A popular Doncaster East restaurant has been slapped with a $15,000 fine after rats and cockroaches were found in the venue.

Stinking fly-infested bins and dirty dishes piled up in the dining room were also found inside Chrysanthemum House.

A Manningham Council inspector made the discoveries during several inspections at the Anderson Creek Rd Chinese restaurant in 2019.

The Ringwood Magistrates’ Court heard that between July and August 2019 the restaurant, owned by Qingbing Guo, had failed to follow the Food Standards Code on numerous occasions.

During surprise inspections, council officers found the venue crawling with cockroaches and a “substantial amount of rodent activity”.

Food equipment was also stowed in the toilet area, food stored on the kitchen floor and ingredients left uncovered in the cool room, exposing it to potential contamination.

Raw meat was also found stored in washing baskets stacked up on the bench.

Contaminated food can cause violent illness or even death.

Qingbing Guo was convicted and fined $15,000 and ordered to pay the council’s costs of $11,680.

Chrysanthemum House has since closed.