SYDNEY: A Campsie-based hospitality group and its director have been convicted and fined $37,500 in Burwood Local Court following a food safety investigation linked to a Salmonella outbreak.

The YDR Hospitality Group Pty Ltd, trading as Khukuri Nepali Restaurant, and its director Jwalanta Khatiwoda appeared in court on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, facing 12 charges under the NSW Food Act 2003. The charges related to hygiene failures, pest infestations, and the sale of unsafe food.

The investigation began in 2023 after several customers reported illness following meals at the restaurant. Inspectors from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) found poor sanitary conditions at the premises.

Findings included rodent contamination, uncovered food, unclean kitchen surfaces, and inadequate cleaning and sanitising practices.

Following advice from NSW Health, a Prohibition Order was issued after epidemiological evidence linked the restaurant to a cluster of Salmonella Reading.

Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of the pathogen on multiple kitchen surfaces, with genomic sequencing matching bacteria found in two cooked menu items to the outbreak strain.

NSW Food Authority CEO Andrew Davies said the case reinforces the importance of food safety compliance, noting that while most businesses meet standards, action will be taken against those that fail to ensure safe food handling.