A Night of Horror: Children Served Insect Repellent Instead of Juice at a Perth Restaurant! Imagine the shock and fear when two young girls, expecting a sweet cranberry drink, instead tasted something akin to poison. This terrifying incident at an Italian restaurant in Perth has led to a substantial fine, serving as a stark warning to the hospitality industry.
The Unsettling Discovery
It was a seemingly ordinary dinner for the Lemin family in June 2024. Twelve-year-old Hannah and her eleven-year-old sister, Olivia, were enjoying a meal with their parents, Marcus and Michele, at Miky's Italian Fusion in Crawley. However, their evening took a disturbing turn when the girls began to complain that their cranberry juice tasted "poisoned." This was no mere picky eating; a chilling reality soon emerged. A bartender, in a grave error, had served the children a pink concoction that was, in fact, a mixture of citronella torch and lamp oil – essentially, insect repellent.
Immediate Aftermath and Investigation
The immediate aftermath was one of panic and concern. The girls were rushed to the hospital for treatment, and their harrowing experience triggered a thorough investigation by the Department of Health. The case recently concluded in Perth Magistrates Court, where the former owner, Michele Angiuli, was found guilty of serious offenses. These included selling unsafe food and failing to exercise due diligence, along with two related charges. Magistrate Donna Webb pointed out that Angiuli had not demonstrated sufficient oversight, noting that the restaurant appeared to be inadequately managed and lacked proper adherence to crucial areas like ensuring staff held essential food safety certifications.
Angiuli's defense highlighted that he had since lost his business and had exited the hospitality sector entirely. However, the legal repercussions are significant, with the former owner and the now-defunct restaurant facing a combined $40,000 fine.
'It's Just Old Cranberry Juice' - A Deceptive Response
Reflecting on the incident, Michele Lemin recounted the moment of realization. "My daughters just went to gulp it down, and they both spat the cranberry juice out and said, 'It's poisoned.'" Initially disbelieving, Michele tried the drink herself and was met with the same horrifying taste. When Marcus Lemin, alerted by the smell, demanded to see the bottle, the staff member's response was dismissive: "It's just old cranberry juice." He even attempted to hide the bottle, placing it under the counter, but Mr. Lemin insisted on seeing its contents, leading to the discovery of the dangerous liquid.
The Toll on the Children
The family's swift action in contacting the poisons information centre and seeking medical attention at Perth Children's Hospital and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital was crucial. The girls experienced distressing symptoms, including burning stomachs and tingling fingers and hands, along with headaches. They were kept under observation for several hours before being discharged. "We're lucky that the children weren't younger," Ms. Lemin stated, emphasizing the potentially far more severe consequences for younger children.
A Message to the Industry
Speaking after the court's decision, Marcus Lemin expressed his hope that the substantial fine would serve as a potent reminder to the hospitality industry. "I think the issue for me is more that it drives a bit more rigour in the industry and that we get to a point where maybe business owners in the hospitality industry understand the accountabilities they hold," he remarked. The former owner, Mr. Angiuli, chose not to address the media.
A Question for You:
This incident raises critical questions about oversight and accountability in food service. Do you believe the $40,000 fine is a sufficient deterrent for such a serious lapse in safety? What further measures do you think restaurants should implement to prevent accidental serving of harmful substances? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear your perspective!
