A former kitchen hand at a Canberra cafe has been awarded over $65,000 after contracting salmonella in 2017.

The Central Cafe in Gungahlin was temporarily closed in February 2017 after multiple patrons reported illnesses. The owner, Yaman Kasirga, subsequently pleaded guilty to breaching food safety laws and was fined $4,500.

During this time, 15-year-old Sara Gibson (a pseudonym) was hospitalised with fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain. She was confirmed to have Salmonella Typhimurium.

ACT Health inspectors found food safety violations at the cafe, including lack of soap for handwashing, improper refrigeration, and chicken stored at unsafe temperatures. A sample of cooked chicken tested positive for the salmonella strain.

Gibson claimed the cafe's negligence caused long-term health issues. 

The court found that while it could not be proven she contracted salmonella from eating there, it was likely she contracted it handling raw meat and chicken at work.

Justice Belinda Baker ruled that the cafe breached its duty of care by failing to ensure proper refrigeration. Gibson, who sought over $400,000, was awarded $65,573.34 for her illness and related phobias.

Central Cafe has been ordered to pay the amount and cover Gibson's legal costs.

More details are accessible here.