Conroy’s Bakehouse accused of rat, insect infestation
A Rye bakery is still trading despite its owner being slapped with a smorgasbord of food safety charges. On repeated visits, council inspectors allegedly found rat droppings, insects, cobwebs, grime and mould.
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A Rye bakery allegedly full of rat droppings, insects, cobwebs, grime and mould has been slapped with a smorgasbord of food safety charges.
On Facebook Conroy’s Bakehouse lauds its high-quality sourdough fruit toast, its duck egg-inspired frittata with roasted pumpkin spinach and their “crowd favourite” steak, bacon and cheese pies.
But when Mornington Peninsula Shire food inspectors visited Conroy’s Bakehouse several times over a number of months, they allegedly saw constant evidence of serious pest infestations.
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The shire laid dozens of charges against the owner for alleged serious breaches of food for sale requirements.
Owner Peter Conroy faced Dromana Magistrates’ Court yesterday on 60 food business code violations.
His case was adjourned until next year because he didn’t have legal representation.
Court documents seen by the Leader reveal inspectors first visited the Dundas St bakehouse on December 12 last year.
They allegedly found rat droppings, dead insects, food waste, cobwebs, contaminated floors and surfaces, holes in the ceiling, contaminated cutting boards, incorrectly stored food and greasy and grimy equipment.
They went back on January 5 this year, again allegedly seeing similar dirty and unhygienic conditions, as well as “visible matter” that had accumulated on fixtures and fittings.
Inspections on January 16, January 18, February 28, May 31 and August 3, allegedly found more food safety breaches.
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Shire officers also allege thw owner removed a council warning order from his front door, replacing it with a sign saying they were closed due to “faulty equipment”.
Mr Conroy represented himself in court, but didn’t say anything. He has not yet entered a plea.
Shire prosecutor Gustav Cook said it would be wise for Mr Conroy to have legal advice, as “the charges were serious”, and he faced “very severe” financial penalties.
Magistrate Timothy Gattuso agreed, and adjourned the case until January 24.
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