Imagine your child takes a sip of what they think is cranberry juice, only to realize it’s actually insect repellent. This horrifying scenario became a reality for two young sisters in Perth, leading to a shocking $40,000 fine for the now-closed Italian restaurant responsible. But here’s where it gets even more unsettling: this wasn’t just a simple mix-up—it was a glaring failure of food safety protocols that could have had far more devastating consequences.
In June 2024, 12-year-old Hannah Lemin and her 11-year-old sister Olivia were enjoying dinner with their parents, Marcus and Michele, at Miky’s Italian Fusion in Crawley, a suburb of Perth. During the meal, the girls complained that their cranberry juice tasted strange, describing it as if it had been ‘poisoned.’ Little did they know, they had been served a pink-colored solution of citronella torch and lamp oil—a toxic mix meant to repel insects, not quench thirst.
And this is the part most people miss: the bartender who served the drink didn’t seem to realize the gravity of the mistake, and the restaurant’s management lacked the oversight to prevent such a dangerous error. The girls were rushed to the hospital, where they were treated for symptoms like burning stomachs, tingling hands, and headaches. Thankfully, they recovered, but the incident sparked a Department of Health investigation that uncovered deeper issues within the establishment.
Today, in Perth Magistrates Court, former owner Michele Angiuli was found guilty of selling unsafe food and failing to exercise due diligence, among other charges. Magistrate Donna Webb highlighted that the restaurant was poorly managed, with staff lacking proper food safety certifications—a red flag that raises questions about industry standards. Angiuli’s lawyer stated that his client has since left the hospitality business, but the damage was already done.
In an interview with the ABC, the Lemin family recounted their terrifying experience. ‘My daughters just went to gulp it down, and they both spat it out, saying, ‘It’s poisoned,’ Michele Lemin recalled. When Marcus Lemin confronted the staff, he was initially told it was ‘just old cranberry juice.’ It wasn’t until he insisted on seeing the bottle that the truth came out—a truth that could have been fatal for younger children.
But here’s the controversial question: Shouldn’t restaurants face stricter regulations and penalties for such negligence? While the $40,000 fine sends a message, is it enough to ensure other businesses take food safety seriously? Marcus Lemin hopes so, stating, ‘I think the issue for me is more that it drives a bit more rigor in the industry and that business owners understand the accountabilities they hold.’
What do you think? Is this fine sufficient, or should there be harsher consequences for such dangerous mistakes? Let’s discuss in the comments—your perspective could spark a much-needed conversation about food safety standards.
