A popular Dominion Road eatery has been prosecuted by Auckland Council for failing to meet national food health regulations. The Golden Tulip Restaurant at 537 Dominion Road, Balmoral and its owners faced multiple charges of food safety and hygiene issues and were fined almost $4,000 by the Auckland District Court this week.

In a routine inspection by Auckland Council on February 11, an environmental health officer observed a number of areas of non-compliance – offences under the regulations – including cockroaches, the use of mouldy curry paste and inadequate food protection. Other issues concerned a lack of understanding of hygiene practices such as staff wearing protective clothing, washing hands in hot water and general food safety practices.

On completion of the inspection the Golden Tulip was immediately closed and given an ‘E’ Food grade rating. Since the court case, after several reinspections and a full assessment of the operation throughout April, Auckland Council has issued the Golden Tulip with a ‘B’ grade.

The Auckland Council food safety bylaw came into force in July 2013 and introduced a regional grading system based on compliance and risk, as well as the need for at least 50 percent of all food handlers to be trained in food hygiene.