McDonald’s hit with $180,000 fine

A popular Rockingham fast food outlet has been fined for the second time this year after it was found guilty of failing to maintain a good standard of cleanliness and preventing food contamination.

Rockingham McDonald’s was hit with a $180,000 fine in Rockingham Magistrate’s Court last month after the Rockingham City Council prosecuted the Read Street restaurant for failing to comply with the Food Act.

The store was found guilty of eight charges under Section 22.1 of the Food Act, including failing to maintain the food premises in a good state of repair and failing to maintain a good standard of cleanliness to prevent accumulation of food waste and dirt.

It also failed to store food correctly to prevent contamination and to eradicate and prevent pests. The outlet was fined $17,500 in January after it breached the Food Act last year.

A spokeswoman said the company took the fine imposed seriously and claimed it took ‘‘great pride in delivering top food safety and quality’’.

‘‘We know our customers have high standards and we’d like to reassure them that food safety and quality is our first priority,’’ the spokeswoman said. ‘‘We were very disappointed that these incidents occurred as we take great pride in delivering top food safety and quality.

‘‘These cases were regrettable and inconsistent with our track record.’’

Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said the prosecution was made after council officers inspected the premises four times between January and April this year following complaints by customers.