Sydney Nepali Restaurant Fined $37,500 Over Salmonella Outbreak and Food Safety Breaches
A Sydney-based Nepali restaurant has been fined $37,500 and convicted over multiple food safety offences linked to a Salmonella outbreak that sickened diners in 2023.
Khukuri Nepali Restaurant, operated by YDR Hospitality Group Pty Ltd, and its director Jwalanta Khatiwoda were found guilty of 12 offences under the NSW Food Act 2003 in Burwood Local Court on 21 April 2026.
The prosecution followed an investigation by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development after several consumers reported illness following meals at the restaurant.
During inspections, compliance officers allegedly discovered serious hygiene and pest-control issues, including dirty kitchen surfaces, rodent droppings, uncovered food, and inadequate sanitising practices.
Authorities also collected food and environmental samples from the restaurant kitchen, with multiple samples testing positive for Salmonella Reading — the same strain connected to a NSW Health outbreak cluster through genomic sequencing.
A prohibition order was issued at the time, forcing the restaurant to cease trading while investigations were underway.
CEO of the NSW Food Authority, Andrew Davies, said the majority of food businesses across NSW comply with safety regulations, but authorities would continue taking action against operators who place public health at risk.
“Consumers have the right to be confident the food they buy and eat is safe and has been produced and prepared in a clean and sanitary environment,” Mr Davies said.
