A restaurant in Perth, Australia has been hit with a hefty fine after a shocking mistake that led to two children being served insect repellent instead of cranberry juice a dangerous error that put the youngsters in the hospital in 2024 and only now reached court. The case culminated in a criminal conviction and significant penalty in early March 2026.
The incident involved sisters Hannah and Olivia Lemin, who were 12 and 11 years old at the time. In June 2024, the girls were out for dinner with their parents, Marcus and Michele Lemin, at Miky’s Italian Fusion, a local Italian restaurant in the Perth suburb of Crawley. They ordered cranberry juice, but what arrived in their glasses was a pink-coloured citronella solution — a liquid used in insect repellent and outdoor torch oil, not intended for consumption.
Chaos at the Table
After taking a sip, the children immediately reacted to the taste and texture. According to their mother, both girls spat the liquid out and told their parents it tasted “poisoned.” Their father, alarmed by their response, attempted to take a drink himself and quickly did the same. Realising something was seriously wrong, he confronted staff to determine what had been poured. Initially, employees insisted it was “just old cranberry juice,” but when pressed, they showed a bottle stored in the fridge. Upon inspection, it became clear the liquid was not juice at all but citronella and insect repellent — a product that can be hazardous if ingested. The family’s concerns prompted immediate medical attention.
Hospitalisation and Symptoms
The girls were rushed to Perth Children’s Hospital, while their mother sought treatment at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital after tasting some of the liquid herself. The children experienced burning sensations in their stomachs, tingling in their hands and fingers, and headaches. Fortunately, doctors determined there were no long-term physical effects, and all three family members were released after several hours under observation. Although there were no lasting injuries, the emotional impact and potential danger of the situation were significant. The Lemin family described the experience as “terrifying,” especially considering how close the moment came to causing severe harm. Michele expressed relief that her daughters were old enough to spit out much of what they had tasted, saying if they had been younger, the outcome might have been far worse.
Investigation and Court Case
Following the incident, the Western Australian Department of Health launched an investigation into food safety practices at Miky’s Italian Fusion. It uncovered serious breaches, including poor management of chemical and food storage, as well as inadequate training and oversight of staff. In court in early March 2026, restaurant owner Michele Angiuli, 35, was found guilty of selling unsafe food and failing to exercise due diligence, among other related charges. The magistrate noted that the restaurant lacked proper safety supervision and that standards were not upheld, resulting in the dangerous mix-up. Angiuli was ordered to pay a total fine of 40,000 Australian dollars (roughly 28,000 USD), split between company and personal penalties, plus court costs. The fine was meant not only to punish but also to send a message about the importance of food safety compliance in hospitality businesses.
Aftermath and Industry Message
Miky’s Italian Fusion has since closed, and Angiuli is no longer involved in the hospitality industry, according to court statements. The family said they hope the case serves as a warning to other restaurant owners about the serious responsibilities they hold, especially when serving children. While the episode ended without permanent physical harm, it underscores how errors in food handling and storage can quickly escalate into public health emergencies. Authorities emphasised that strict adherence to safety standards is vital, particularly in environments where children are present.
