Tom's Palette giving out 6,000 cups of free ice cream to followers on Oct. 30 & 31

Local ice cream parlour Tom's Palette is pretty good at making the best out of a bad situation.

The day before the end of its Bugis outlet's two-week suspension, the parlour posted an update on social media with a plea for help.

"We have a big problem," a spokesperson said in the Oct. 28 video.

"So our collaboration was cut short, and because of that, we are stuck with 6,000 cups of White Chocolate Nori [ice cream]."

To clear its supply of sweet treats, the shop will be giving out the cups for free on Oct. 30 and 31 at its Bugis and Kovan outlets.

Prospective ice cream eaters only need to follow either its TikTok or Instagram account to qualify.

Redemption is also limited to one cup per customer, and while stocks last.

@tomspalettesgpls help! only on 30 & 31 October 2024. Head down to our Bugis or Kovan outlet for your free White Chocolate Nori gelato! Terms and Conditions 1. Eligibility - Must be a current follower of our Instagram or TikTok accounts - Limited to one free gelato per person 2. Redemption - Customer must show proof of following both social media accounts at time of redemption - Offer valid during operating hours only - Subject to availability - Valid until 31st October 2024 or while supplies last 3. Product Details - One serving of gelato in a standard cup - Must be consumed immediately upon receiving - Cup lids will not be provided - No substitutions or modifications allowed - Cannot be exchanged for cash or other products - Non-refundable and non-transferable 4. General Conditions - Management reserves the right to verify social media following status - We reserve the right to modify or end this promotion at any time - This offer cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts - Management reserves the right to refuse service to anyone not complying with these terms - By participating in this promotion, customers agree to these terms and conditions 5. Disclaimer - Management is not responsible for any allergies or dietary restrictions - Customers with allergies should inform staff before redemption♬ original sound - Tom’s Palette Ice Cream

Suspension

On Oct. 15, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) announced that the Bugis outlet had been suspended from Oct. 15 to Oct. 28 for two offences.

It had failed to register an assistant, and sold food that was not clean, SFA said.

All food handlers were subsequently required to re-attend and pass a food safety course before resuming work.

Food licensees were also required to re-attend and pass a higher-level food safety course.

Apology

The next day, the ice cream parlour posted an apology video, acknowledging that contamination had been found in the shop's Sicilian Pistachio flavour in May.

They also admitted that they had hired a part-timer without a food handler's licence, and she had been practising rolling cones.

"It was completely our fault," the shop said.

Since then, the shop has changed its cooking methodology and spoken to suppliers, and sent its ice cream for lab testing to ensure its safety.

It has also changed its hiring process, and ensured that staff either have existing certifications or are allowed only to do non-food handling duties like dishwashing.

"Once again, we want to apologise for the lapses on our part, which caused this to happen, and also for the two-week closure," the spokesperson said.

The video was well-received by the public, with many praising Tom's Palette for its accountability and sincerity.

"That's the way to do an apology," one user remarked.

"Not a customer but thought it was clear, succinct, with no finger pointing and more importantly, corrective and preventive action," another said.

"Jiayou and come back stronger."

Top image from Tom's Palette/Instagram, allyssa555/Instagram, and Christian Hiltl/Google Maps