A club in the NSW Illawarra region has pleaded guilty to several offences after two women became sick after driving “contaminated” margaritas at their venue.
The women sustained burns after drinking margaritas salted with “contaminated salt” at The Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow on October 19, 2023.
Both women were hospitalised that night after visiting the venue.
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The club pleaded guilty in Wollongong Local court on Monday to several charges brought against it by the NSW Food Authority.
The club pleaded guilty to fail to comply with Food Standards Code, handle food in manner likely to render it unsafe, and sell unsafe food.
7NEWS understands one of the women hospitalised was the NSW Health Minister Ryan Park’s wife, and the other was her friend.
In a statement about the time of the incident last year, a spokesperson for Ryan Park told 7NEWS.com.au, his office was aware of the report.
“We note that police have advised investigations are currently underway,” they said.
“The family asks that their privacy be respected and will not make any further comment on this matter during this time.”
A spokesperson for the Fraternity Club told 7NEWS.com.au they had been working with police, who ruled the matter was an “accidental drink contamination”.
“We take this incident very seriously and have engaged an independent work, health and safety organisation to review our processes and fine-tune staff training, to ensure it is not repeated,” they said.
The club added it “deeply regrets” the incident and has “attempted to offer our support and assistance to the women”.
The women made a full recovery after the incident.
NSW Food Authority earlier confirmed the incident was under investigation.
“The NSW Food Authority was notified of the incident on 20 October 2023 and immediately attended the venue to investigate the incident, where they were assisted by NSW Police,” a spokesperson said.
This matter is listed for sentencing on 20, September 2024 at Wollongong Local Court.