Major Hygiene Issues Lead To $40,000 Fine For Gold Coast Bakery Pane Organico

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Post on May 16, 2025

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Major Hygiene Issues Land Gold Coast Bakery Pane Organico a $40,000 Fine

Gold Coast, Australia – October 26, 2023 – Pane Organico, a popular Gold Coast bakery known for its artisan breads and pastries, has been slapped with a hefty $40,000 fine following a concerning discovery of major hygiene breaches during a routine inspection. The severity of the infractions has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised serious questions about food safety regulations.

The Gold Coast City Council announced the penalty following an inspection that uncovered a range of unacceptable hygiene practices within the Pane Organico premises. These included evidence of pest infestation, inadequate food storage procedures, and a general lack of cleanliness throughout the bakery’s preparation and production areas.

Council officers highlighted several specific issues contributing to the significant fine:

• Pest Infestation: A significant cockroach infestation was discovered throughout the bakery, posing a serious health risk to consumers. This is a critical breach of food safety regulations and a major factor contributing to the penalty.
• Unsafe Food Storage: Improper food storage practices were identified, with ingredients stored at unsafe temperatures and potentially leading to spoilage and bacterial growth. This included both raw and prepared ingredients.
• Lack of Cleanliness: Inspectors noted a general lack of cleanliness across all areas of the bakery, including equipment, work surfaces, and the overall environment. This included accumulated debris and insufficient cleaning of equipment used in food preparation.
• Inadequate Staff Training: The council also suggested insufficient staff training in food safety protocols contributed to the observed issues.

This substantial fine serves as a stark warning to all food businesses on the Gold Coast regarding the importance of maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and adhering to food safety regulations. The council emphasized its commitment to protecting public health and will continue to conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance.

“The health and safety of our residents is paramount,” stated a council spokesperson. “Pane Organico’s failure to maintain acceptable hygiene standards is unacceptable and the penalty reflects the seriousness of the breaches. We expect all food businesses to prioritize food safety and meet the required standards.”

Pane Organico's Response:

While Pane Organico has yet to release a formal public statement, sources close to the bakery indicate that they are taking the matter seriously and are implementing immediate corrective actions to address the identified issues. These include a complete deep clean of the premises, pest control measures, and comprehensive staff retraining on food safety procedures.

Impact on Consumers:

The news has understandably caused concern among regular customers of Pane Organico. Many are questioning the safety of products consumed prior to the inspection and are awaiting further information from the bakery regarding the steps taken to rectify the situation.

Looking Ahead:

This incident underscores the critical role of regular inspections and stringent enforcement of food safety regulations. The hefty fine imposed on Pane Organico should serve as a reminder to all food businesses to prioritize hygiene and adhere to best practices to protect consumer health. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and report any concerns regarding food safety to the relevant authorities. The Gold Coast City Council has pledged to continue its rigorous inspections to ensure the safety of food establishments within the region. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.