Perth Restaurant Owner Convicted for Serving Children Mosquito Repellant
A restaurant owner in Perth has been fined $40,000 after a serious incident involving serving children mosquito repellant instead of cranberry juice. Michele Angiuli, aged 35, was found guilty of negligence following an event in 2024 where a mother and her two daughters, aged 11 and 12, consumed citronella oil, which is commonly used as insect repellent.
Court Verdict and Penalties
The Perth Magistrates Court sentenced Angiuli on a Tuesday, after his establishment, Mikys Italian Restaurant, was reported for the incident. The restaurant was subsequently shut down and faced severe publicity, leading to its closure for less than satisfactory reasons. Angiuli himself is no longer in the food industry, despite having a passion for cooking.
Details of the Incident
- The bartender accidentally poured citronella oil instead of cranberry juice.
- The children experienced burning sensations in their mouths and were taken to Perth Children’s Hospital for evaluation.
- The parents confronted the bartender and requested to see the bottle, which was labeled as insect repellent.
Negligence and Management Issues
During the trial, Angiuli claimed he could not be held responsible for his bartender’s actions. However, the magistrate disagreed, stating that Angiuli did not maintain proper food safety standards. The court noted that he lacked a designated food safety officer and that the bar area was disorganized, contributing to the negligence.
Comparison to Previous Cases
In determining the penalty, the magistrate referenced similar cases, including a 2019 event where children were served marijuana-laced brownies. Additionally, she mentioned a case involving metal filings found in food at another establishment. Ultimately, Angiuli and his company were each fined $20,000 and ordered to pay almost $20,000 in legal costs.
Consequences
The magistrate emphasized the severity of the incident, noting that if the children had ingested more of the citronella, the outcome could have been dire. She stated, “The children were young. But for the fact it was citronella and it tasted disgusting and they spat it out immediately, the consequences could have been more serious.”
This case serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of food safety in the restaurant industry and the severe repercussions that can arise from neglecting health standards.
