A desi restaurant in Perth's east has been fined tens of thousands of dollars after failing to comply with a string of food safety standards. PIND Restaurant, which serves mainly Pakistani cuisine, has been ordered to pay $72,000 following a prosecution by the City of Belmont.
Breaches of Food Standards
The City of Belmont took legal action against the Belmont eatery last month over nine violations of the Food Standards Code and the Food Act. These included failing to take practical measures to prevent pests from entering the premises and not storing food in a manner that would prevent contamination. Additional charges related to improper food storage and failing to keep potentially hazardous food at the correct temperature.
Inspections and Conviction
Council inspectors conducted at least two visits within a week in November last year. During the second inspection, they discovered that kitchen equipment was not maintained to an acceptable standard of cleanliness. The Department of Health convicted the restaurant operator, PAK Global Network, on April 10.
A representative for the restaurant told The West Australian that they are appealing the fines but did not provide any supporting information.
Restaurant's Reputation
Despite the health breaches, PIND Restaurant has garnered positive reviews online. It holds 231 reviews on Google with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customers have praised the food, describing it as a "trip back to the streets of Lahore and Peshawar." The restaurant promotes itself online as "your go-to place for authentic Halal Desi food in Perth," emphasizing that every dish is prepared with 100 percent halal ingredients, making it a trusted choice for families, friends, and the desi community.
Historical Context
The largest fine for a restaurant food safety breach to date occurred in 2019 when Metro Indian Restaurant in Subiaco was fined $215,000 plus nearly $2,000 in costs for eight breaches described in court as some of the worst ever seen. In 2024, Nando's Willetton was fined a significant $160,000 for hygiene issues, including a rat infestation.
A full list of restaurants prosecuted for violating food safety standards is available online.
