Imagine your child takes a sip of what they think is cranberry juice, only to realize it’s actually insect repellent. Terrifying, right? This is exactly what happened to two young sisters in Perth, leading to a shocking $40,000 fine for the now-closed Italian restaurant responsible. But here’s where it gets even more alarming: this wasn’t just a simple mix-up—it was a glaring failure of food safety protocols that could have had far worse consequences.
In June 2024, 12-year-old Hannah Lemin and her 11-year-old sister Olivia were enjoying dinner with their parents, Marcus and Michele, at Miky's Italian Fusion in Crawley, Perth. During the meal, the girls complained that their cranberry juice tasted strange, describing it as if it had been 'poisoned.' Little did they know, they had been served a pink-colored citronella torch and lamp oil solution—a toxic substance meant to repel insects, not quench thirst.
The mistake was later traced back to a bartender who had mistakenly grabbed the wrong bottle. The girls were rushed to the hospital, where they were treated for symptoms like burning stomachs, tingling hands, and headaches. The incident sparked a Department of Health investigation, culminating in a court case that exposed deeper issues within the restaurant’s operations.
And this is the part most people miss: the former owner, Michele Angiuli, was found guilty not just of serving unsafe food but also of failing to exercise due diligence. Magistrate Donna Webb pointed out that the restaurant lacked proper management and compliance, including ensuring staff had food safety certifications. Angiuli’s lawyer revealed that his client had lost the business and left the hospitality industry altogether. But is that enough to prevent similar incidents in the future?
In an interview with the ABC, the Lemin family recounted their horror. Michele Lemin described how her daughters immediately spat out the drink, insisting it was 'poisoned.' When Marcus Lemin confronted the staff, he was initially met with resistance, with a worker claiming it was 'just old cranberry juice.' It wasn’t until he demanded to see the bottle that the truth came out. The family then rushed to Perth Children’s Hospital and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, where they were monitored for hours before being discharged.
'We’re lucky the children weren’t younger,' Michele Lemin said, her voice trembling. 'I can’t even imagine what could have happened if they were toddlers.' Her words highlight a chilling reality: this incident could have been fatal.
Speaking after the court ruling, Marcus Lemin expressed hope that the $40,000 fine would send a strong message to the hospitality industry. 'It’s not just about the punishment,' he said. 'It’s about accountability and ensuring business owners take their responsibilities seriously.'
But here’s the controversial question: Are fines enough to deter such negligence, or do we need stricter regulations and regular inspections to prevent similar incidents? Michele Angiuli declined to comment, leaving the public to debate the broader implications of this case. What do you think? Is the hospitality industry doing enough to protect its customers, or is this just the tip of the iceberg? Let’s discuss in the comments below.
