It’s the story that makes you look twice at your sausage roll before taking a bite. A popular northern suburbs bakery and beloved Scarborough institution, famous for its award-winning pies and pastries, has just been slapped with a whopping $100,000 fine after a string of shocking food safety breaches.
This news is as hard to digest for many locals as a stale scone. The revelation of such serious violations at a cherished community spot has left many residents in disbelief, questioning the safety of their favourite treats.
Brighton Bakery has been a staple of Perth’s northern suburbs for over two decades, collecting accolades and loyal customers.
In 2019, it was crowned with six awards at the Western Australia (WA) Baking Industry Gala Dinner, including the coveted Premier Pie Award for beef pie.
The bakery’s trophy cabinet is stuffed with gongs from the Perth Royal Show and the WA Commercial Bread and Pastry Competition.
But inspectors found a very different story behind the glass cabinets of golden pastries. Last July, environmental health officers began a two-month series of seven inspections.
They uncovered enough to make even the most devoted pie lover lose their appetite. Among the most alarming findings:
- Uncovered raw meat stored right next to ready-to-eat salads—a cross-contamination nightmare.
- Foods kept at unsafe temperatures, such as cheese pies and sausage rolls, were found at a balmy 26.3°C (safe storage is below 5°C).
- Sushi, meats, and dairy left out in conditions ripe for bacteria.
- Cheese tarts tested positive for high levels of toxin-producing bacteria, which can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Milk five months past its use-by date is lurking in the fridge.
- Dead insects were discovered inside a piping bag.
- Mouldy, unlabelled dough and herbs were stored on the floor.
- Cracked, broken, and deformed eggs are used in food preparation.
- Ready-to-eat foods were displayed on old newspapers and cardboard boxes.
- Open butter was stored above a chemical storage area.
- Paint flaking from walls into food, and surfaces covered in rust and peeling silicone.
And if that wasn’t enough, a fridge wasn’t working, a mixing machine was corroded, and a hot plate was missing a knob.
The main prep area was described as having a ‘noticeable accumulation of dirt, grease and food waste’ on almost every surface.
After one inspection, officers issued a prohibition order banning the sale of high-risk foods like pate, raw egg, mayonnaise, and sushi.
But when they returned the very next day, they found six-packs of sushi back on display. The sushi was quickly whisked away and hidden in a chest freezer, but the damage was done.
A community institution in crisis
Owners Thi Thuy Hong Dinh and Van Vuong Dong, who arrived in Australia as refugees from post-war Vietnam in 1980, have been described as good people who became ‘careless and disorganised’ in running their business.
Their lawyer highlighted their significant community contributions and popularity in the City of Stirling.
But the court had little choice: Dinh and Dong were fined $24,800 each, and their company, Thinh Vuong Pty Ltd, was penalised $100,000.
Brighton Bakery has recently been put up for sale, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for this once-celebrated local icon.
The case is a reminder that even the most decorated food businesses can violate basic hygiene and safety standards.
Have you ever had a bad experience at a favourite local eatery? Are food safety standards slipping, or is this an isolated case? Would you return to a bakery after hearing about breaches like these? We’d love to read your thoughts and stories in the comments below.
Also read: Gold Coast bakery Pane Organico fined $40k after discovery of flies, mould and pigeons
Sometimes these inspections are over the top however there are certain standards that must be adhered to! Dinh Dong !! unfortunately the bell has tolled