SFA to take action against Y Cube Mookata Buffet in Golden Mile after diner spots cockroaches

Businesses going through tough times should refrain from ruining their own business.

Belmont Lay | July 13, 2020, 10:53 PM

A mookata restaurant in Golden Mile is being taken to task by the authorities due to cockroaches of varying sizes spotted on its premises by a diner.

Tiny and large cockroaches were spotted by a diner during dinner service on July 3, Stomp reported.

The diner, a woman, had submitted photos of the cockroaches in the eatery to the site.

She noticed the cockroaches on the drinks dispenser and informed the manager, but she claimed that he did not do anything about it and told her the machine had not been in use during the circuit breaker period.

When she raised the issue again to the manager, she asked if he expected her to kill the cockroaches for them.

A staff member then took a tissue and killed a cockroach but did not disinfect the area.

The diner was not offered a change of seating nor was the machine removed, she alleged.

Singapore Food Agency responds

A Singapore Food Agency (SFA) spokesman said in response to media queries:

Under the Environmental Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations, operators of SFA-licensed premises are to ensure that the premises is free of infestation by rodents, cockroaches or other vermin.

SFA conducts regular inspections of SFA-licensed food establishments to ensure compliance with our regulations, and will not hesitate to take enforcement action if necessary.

SFA inspected the food establishment upon receiving feedback.

We are taking enforcement action against the operator for the hygiene lapses detected.

We have also directed the operator to activate their pest control operator and to rectify the lapses detected.

Food safety is a joint responsibility.

While SFA puts in place and enforces the regulatory measures, food operators must play their part by adhering to good food hygiene and preparation practices.

The agency said: "SFA will not hesitate to take enforcement action against errant food operators if we have obtained sufficient evidence."

Food businesses that failed to keep their premises clean have been fined before.

Members of the public can report potentially errant food operator to SFA via the online feedback form.

SFA may engage the feedback provider for more details.