Our client was a company charged with breaches of the Food Act 1984. A random council inspection at the children’s play centre it operated revealed numerous breaches including rat faeces in food preparation areas. They were facing fines in excess of $100,000.00

Our clients business had been struggling with lock-down measures caused by COVID-19. Financial pressures meant they had been unable to afford professional cleaners and the rolling lock-downs had lead to a rodent infestation at the premises.

We worked with our client and were able to provide evidence to the Court that they had made major improvements to their cleaning and food handling practices, and that the breaches were due to the impact lock-downs had had on the business.

After hearing our submissions the Magistrate fined the company $2,000.00 and did no record a conviction.