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Update on Dec. 17, 12:30pm: The story was updated to include a statement from SFA.
One woman in Singapore was shocked to find more than pearls in her bubble tea drink recently.
The woman, who said she prefers to remain anonymous, told Mothership that she had purchased a S$3.30 cup of Caramel Milk Tea from Cup Walker at Sengkang Square on Dec. 15.
Cup Walker has a second outlet at Hougang Street 21, and the brand has been around since 1998.
Photo from Mothership reader
She had taken two sips of her drink when on her third sip, she felt something distinctly un-pearl-like in her mouth.
Thinking that it was a strand of hair, she spat it out only to find a small centipede.
Photo from Mothership reader
Was offered a new drink
She subsequently called up Cup Walker to inform them about the incident, and a staff member offered her a new drink, which she declined.
The staff member apologised and apparently told her that they had likely not spotted the insect as it was too tiny — the centipede was around 2cm long,
She has also reached out to Cup Walker and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) via email to inform them about the incident.
Since then, she said that she feels "disgusted and traumatised", and added that she will not purchase drinks from Cup Walker again.
Photo from Mothership reader
When Mothership went down to the Cup Walker outlet on Dec. 15 evening, the store appeared clean and tidy.
It also sports an A grade certificate from SFA.
Photo by Mothership
Photo by Mothership
In response to Mothership's queries, SFA said that it has received the feedback and is investigating.
SFA added:
"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."
Members of the public who come across any potentially errant food operator should report to SFA via the online feedback form here.
As part of the enquiry and gathering of evidence, SFA may also engage the feedback provider for more details.
SFA stated that it will not hesitate to take enforcement action against errant food operators if it has obtained sufficient evidence.
Mothership has also reached out to Cup Walker for more information about the incident, and will update this story when they reply.
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