A Glen Waverley food business has been fined $12,000 and the Company Director $5,000 after pleading guilty to 17 charges under the Food Act 1984 and the Food Standards Code.

Dumpling Hut Pty Ltd, proprietor of the food business trading as Raramen at 106 Kingsway Glen Waverley, and the Company Director were fined in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 10 July 2015.

The company was fined $12,000 with a conviction recorded and $7,000 in costs. The Company Director was fined $5,000 without conviction.

The charges related to handling food unsuitably; the premises being in an unsatisfactory state of cleanliness; inadequate skills and knowledge; structural and maintenance non-compliance; poor food storage; inadequate pest control measures and non-compliance with the Food Safety Program.

Monash Mayor Paul Klisaris said Council officers had instigated proceedings after inspecting the premises in March this year.

“The severity of the fines sends a message to Monash businesses that they must maintain the highest standards when it comes to cleanliness, storage and handling of food and controlling pests or they will be prosecuted and potentially face large fines,” Cr Klisaris said.

“Monash has a well-deserved reputation as a destination for great food and we expect our businesses to respect that reputation by maintaining high standards when it comes to safety and cleanliness.”

Council staff have carried out a number of inspections since the charges were originally laid and the business has complied with the Food Act 1984 and Regulations.