Auckland famous BBQ restaurant faces hygiene inspection after discovering strange fish

Auckland-based restaurant Mount Albert BBQ Noodle House has had its food safety rating downgraded after a local health department inspected the property and found what they described as suspicious ingredients.

The restaurant, located at 932-934 New North Rd in Mount Albert, had its food hygiene rating reduced from A to D following the inspection. Owner Lisa White said the fish was provided by one of her customers for personal cooking purposes and not part of the restaurant's regular menu.

However, the fish has sparked online discussions with many people questioning its connection to the restaurant. Auckland Health Services stated that the food safety rating was reduced because non-restaurant ingredients were found on the premises. The health department emphasized that all food used in restaurants must comply with strict food safety regulations and any violations could lead to stricter penalties.

White expressed her regret over the incident but stressed that the restaurant has never used the fish. She added that the majority of the restaurant's ingredients are sourced from a local import company for use in preparing its dishes, making it unrelated to this incident.

Auckland Health Services Food Safety Manager Lee-Thompson stated that all food found on restaurant premises must be treated as commercial-grade food and must meet strict safety standards. Any establishment found to violate these regulations could face more severe penalties.

Lee-Thompson emphasized that the inspection team discovered fish that did not meet food safety standards at Mount Albert BBQ Noodle House, leading to the downgrade of its food hygiene rating. The health department has already fined the restaurant for the violation.

Auckland-based journalist Tom Rose covered the incident and called on consumers to be cautious when encountering similar situations, advising them to verify the source of any food before making judgments.