Grub guide names dirty diners

Another eight restaurants have been added to the NSW Government's shame file for breaching health and hygiene standards.

Among them is Nelson Bay RSL, which is a home-away-from-home for thousands of hungry holidaymakers each year.

The club was fined $660 for cockroach infestation, but complained it had been unfairly treated.

On July 1, the NSW Food Authority began identifying eateries fined for various offences, from having grease build-up to cockroach infestations, and placing food at risk of contamination.

Nelson Bay RSL general manager Malcolm Anderson said the club was in the process of introducing new technology when a spot check on its bistro identified the bugs.

He said the council inspector accepted that the problem would be rectified within 48 hours, but still issued a fine in the mail.

"I don't believe it was a fair infringement,'' he said.

"I'm in discussions with the council about that, so when there is a process of appeal, I think for us to be put on a website of that prior to any appeal process is unjust and unfair.''

Zackery's Cafe at Penrith Plaza copped the biggest fine - $1980 for three offences - of any restaurant so far named on the website.

Inspectors found evidence of live and dead cockroaches on the premises and an accumulation of grease and food residue on the floor, and on equipment, fixtures and fittings.

Offending outlets will stay on the website for a year.

The Ambassador Lounge, in Fairfield, received two $330 fines for failing to protect food from the likelihood of contamination by storing it on the floor, and failing to maintain an adequate standard of cleanliness.

Others fined included the Ark Sushi King in Sydney CBD, HLJ Noodle Box in Ultimo, the Roseville Bacon Company in Brookvale, Shellharbour Square Fish Market and Summer's Deli Fresh in Fairfield.

Thip Thong Thai Restaurant in Penrith, which was fined $660 for failing to keep its premises and appliances clean, said the exposure had had a devastating impact.

Manager Tim Rattananinad said he had 52 people cancel bookings in one week.

"If I keep losing customers like that it's just like shutting me down,'' he said.

His breach related to grease build-up and he said in 13 years the restaurant had always had a good reputation for food and service.

"We learnt our mistake, paid the fine and thought, `Let's get on with it', but the next thing we know we're in the newspaper,'' he said.

He urged customers to give the restaurant another chance.

Bon Appetit Family Restaurant in Wollongong was fined $660.

Partner Larry Tam said the negative publicity had been embarrassing.

Source: Sharon Labi, Daily Telegraph

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