Man fined for threatening NSW Food Authority officer

An Ulladulla man has been fined for threatening a NSW Food Authority officer in the course of his duty.

The officer was investigating the operation of a food business selling seafood from a fishing vessel in Ulladulla Harbour when the vessel owner threatened him during the course of his inspection.

The offender pleaded guilty to a charge of Threaten Officer in the exercise of the officer’s functions under the Act under section 43(3) of the Food Act 2003. The Court convicted the offender and imposed a fine of $1800 and ordered the offender to pay $3000 professional costs to the Authority.

NSW Food Authority CEO Polly Bennett has welcomed the decision.

In handing down the decision, the Magistrate noted that deterrence was very important in these matters and stated that the purpose of the legislation was about food safety for the benefit of the community.