Imagine your child takes a sip of what they think is a refreshing glass of cranberry juice, only to realize it’s actually insect repellent. This horrifying scenario became a reality for two young sisters in Perth, leaving their family traumatized and sparking a major health investigation. But here’s where it gets even more shocking: the restaurant responsible has been slapped with a $40,000 fine, yet the aftermath raises questions about accountability in the hospitality industry.
In June 2024, 12-year-old Hannah Lemin and her 11-year-old sister Olivia were dining with their parents, Marcus and Michele, at Miky's Italian Fusion in Crawley, a suburb of Perth. During their 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 solution of citronella torch and lamp oil—a toxic mix meant to repel insects, not quench thirst.
The mistake was later traced to a bartender who had confused the bottles. The girls were rushed to the hospital, where they were treated for symptoms like burning stomachs, tingling hands, and headaches. The incident prompted a Department of Health investigation, culminating in a court case that exposed deeper issues within the restaurant’s operations.
Today, in Perth Magistrates Court, former owner Michele Angiuli was found guilty of selling unsafe food and failing to exercise due diligence, among other charges. Magistrate Donna Webb highlighted systemic failures, noting the restaurant lacked proper management and compliance, including ensuring staff had food safety certifications. And this is the part most people miss: the incident wasn’t just a one-off mistake but a symptom of broader negligence in the industry.
In an emotional interview with the ABC, the Lemin family recounted their ordeal. Michele Lemin described the moment her daughters 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 took persistence for him to retrieve the bottle, which was hidden under the counter. 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.'
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 ensuring business owners take their responsibilities seriously.'
But here’s the controversial question: Is a fine enough to prevent such incidents in the future? Or does the industry need stricter regulations and oversight? Michele Angiuli, who has since left the hospitality business, declined to comment, leaving the public to debate the implications.
This case isn’t just about one restaurant’s mistake—it’s a wake-up call for all of us. How can we trust that what we’re served is safe? And what changes are needed to prevent this from happening again? Let’s discuss—what do you think should be done to ensure such negligence never occurs?
