Fines of more than $37 000 have been handed to two Sydney North Shore restaurants and three Hills District eateries for being dirty and unhygienic.

In a release highlighting the fines Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald commended the councils involved in the prosecutions for being “vigilant and proactive in ensuring that food sold in their areas is as safe as possible”.

“It’s simply unacceptable for food retailers to ignore safety laws that protect consumers,” he said. “Prosecutions are a last resort, but in some cases when critical failures have occurred or when proprietors have ignored prior warnings, that’s when they’ll end up in court.”

North Sydney Council successfully prosecuted two eateries for a total of 14 offences.

Dai’s Golden Crown Restaurant in Military Road, Cremorne received a $15 333 fine for five offences ranging from chronic build up of waste and dirt to vermin in equipment and shelving.

Neutral Bay Seafood in Wycombe Road, Neutral Bay got a $3287 fine for nine hygiene-related offences.

Hills Shire Council successfully prosecuted the following three eateries for a total of 31 hygiene-related offences:

Simply Irresistible Bakery, Windsor Road, Rouse Hill received a $5492 fine for four offences including storing food on the floor of a coolroom.

Mountain View Chinese Restaurant, Old Northern Road, Dural was fined $7095 for 15 offences including presence of pests and dirty fittings and equipment

Beijing Duck Restaurant, North Rocks Road, North Rocks was fined $5976 for 12 offences including storing meat in a sink and unsanitary cooking equipment and utensils.