Popular city eatery cops food safety conviction
A popular Italian restaurant in the heart of the city has been slapped with a $50,000 fine after a customer suffered a “potentially catastrophic” allergic reaction.
Inner South
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A well-known known Italian restaurant in a prime city location has been forced to change its practises after a customer suffered a severe anaphylactic reaction from consuming food thought to be safe.
Bourke St eatery Bottega has been a popular destination for thousands of Melbourne diners since owner Denis Lucey opened its doors in 2002.
However, the fine-dining restaurant famous for its handmade pasta found itself in hot water with Melbourne council food safety officers following a serious incident in September 2017.
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It is understood a customer had an anaphylactic reaction after ordering food from the menu, which they were led to believe was safe for them to consume.
An Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman confirmed an ambulance attended the scene but would not comment further.
The council said the incident was the result of human error on the part of a member of the waiting staff.
The offence, that Bottega staff sold food they reasonably knew was falsely described on the menu, and was likely to cause physical harm to a consumer, was serious enough for the council to seek a conviction at the Melbourne Magistrates Court.
The matter was resolved in October when Bottega Pty Ltd was convicted and slapped with a $50,000 fine, plus court costs.
A council spokesperson said the offence was regarded “very seriously” due to the “potentially catastrophic impact this offending can have”.
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In a statement to the Leader Mr Lucey said he accepted the court’s outcome.
“I take full responsibility for what occurred and have put clear procedures in place to ensure all our patrons have the best possible experience at Bottega,” he said.
“There was a breakdown in communication of a guests’ order which resulted in an adverse reaction to the meal.
“This has been a learning experience and although we already had processes in place, we have introduced new practises.”
Mr Lucey said the restaurants induction manual had been updated with latest best practices regarding allergies and they now keep an EpiPen on the premises.
Mr Lucey also had a National Allergy Strategy recommended menu matrix wall chart installed and purchased uniquely shaped plates for diners who have an allergy.
Additionally, the restaurant manager and head chef have both refreshed their first aid training.
Bottega is the latest in a long line of Melbourne eateries to cop food safety convictions in 2018.
It joined Thai Culinary, Nazim’s Indian Restaurant, Riva Café and Bar, Minh Xuong Seafood and BBQ Restaurant, Lane’s Edge and Xian Famous Foods on the Food Convictions Register, a list no restaurant wants to be on.
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