Food Safety Prosecutions

Certain charges are far more serious than others. Knowingly handling food in an unsafe manner is the most serious of the above charges. For an individual, it carries a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and a $100,000 fine. This fine becomes $500,000 for a corporation.

Other sanctions in relation to food safety prosecutions

If you are found guilty of any of the above offences your business or company name will be recorded and published on the Register of Convictions on the government’s Department of Health website. This is a significant punishment in itself, as the damage to the company’s reputation could be irredeemable.

The council will often lay 15–100 charges. These can often be negotiated and on occasion some will be withdrawn.

The fines can range from $1,000 to as much as $1,000 000.

It is important in relation to these matters that you are properly represented. This could well mean that your fine is significantly reduced, offsetting the cost of seeking legal representation.

Don’t put it off, as thorough preparation is always critical to a favourable outcome in court. If you have been charged with any matter relating to the Food Act, call one of our criminal lawyers today.