ALDI

The defendant company was convicted of the following three offences for breaches of section 21(1) of the Food Act 2003, for failing to comply with Standard 3.2.2 of the Food Standards Code, namely:

1. Clause 6(1)(a), fail to store food in such a way that it is protected from the likelihood of contamination. Cucumbers that had been eaten by rats were found stored in the rear storage area and rat droppings found on stored food products.
2. Clause 8(1)(a), fail to store food in such a way that it is protected from the likelihood of contamination. Food products on display were found to have been opened and contaminated by rats.
3. Clause 24(1)(b), fail to take all practicable measures to prevent pests entering the food premises. Stainless steel ducting and the external perimeter wall at the loading dock were not adequately sealed to prevent the entry of rats.

The defendant company was also convicted of an offence for a breach of section 17(1) of the Food Act 2003, for handling food intended for sale in a manner which will render, or is likely to render, the food unsuitable.