Perth Restaurant Owner Convicted for Serving Children Mosquito Repellent

A restaurant owner in Perth has been fined a total of $40,000 after being found guilty of mishandling a serious food safety incident. Michele Angiuli, 35, was responsible for serving mosquito repellent instead of the desired cranberry juice to two children and their mother in 2024. This shocking incident occurred at his now-shuttered Italian restaurant.

Incident Overview

The incident came to light when a family, having dined at Mikys Italian Restaurant, informed the police after discovering that their daughters, aged 11 and 12, had consumed a small amount of citronella. This product, typically used as an insect repellent, was inadvertently served by a bartender.

Legal Proceedings

Angiuli was charged following the alarming episode and faced trial at the Perth Magistrates Court. During proceedings, it was revealed that the establishment lacked a food safety officer. The disorganized state of the bar area contributed to the court’s decision that Angiuli failed to act with due diligence in ensuring customer safety.

Victims’ Response and Medical Attention

The children’s parents confronted the bartender after the incident, demanding to see the bottle used for the drinks. They discovered it was labeled as citronella oil mixed with insect repellent. Subsequently, the children were taken to Perth Children’s Hospital due to burning sensations in their mouths.

Verdict and Sentencing

Despite pleading not guilty to multiple food safety violations, including knowingly selling unsafe food, Angiuli’s defense was dismissed by the magistrate. She condemned his lack of management in the establishment, stating it was “not appropriately managed or compliant.” Angiuli’s testimony was described as “not credible” as he attempted to shift blame onto his employees.

• Angiuli was fined $20,000.
• His company was also fined $20,000.
• Legal costs approached $20,000.

Past Precedents and Aftermath

The magistrate called upon similar cases for comparison, including a 2019 instance where children were inadvertently served marijuana-laced brownies, and another case involving a foreign object in fast food. Angiuli closed his restaurant following “adverse publicity” surrounding the incident and no longer works in the food industry, although he expressed his passion for cooking.

Reflecting on the incident, the magistrate noted, “The children were young. But for the fact it was citronella— which they spat out immediately— the consequences could have been more severe.”