Rat seen at fresh food counter at Cheese Story Mookata Buffet in Balestier

A woman was dining with two friends at Cheese Story Mookata Buffet in JOM Balestier HomeTeamNS when an uninvited guest — a rat — joined them.

Speaking to Mothership, the woman shared that she spotted the rodent running towards the back of the buffet countertop.

She managed to capture a short video of the rat peeking out from underneath a bowl.

Coincidentally, the brand logo of Cheese Story Mookata features a rodent.

Rat escaped

The woman informed an employee, who came out to investigate the commotion caused by the rodent.

However, when the staff lifted the bowl, the rat managed to make a run for it.

Although the staff searched for the missing rodent, they did not apologise or address the incident, the woman noted.

Despite being a regular customer of the business, she said she would not be returning after this experience.

Inspection by SFA

In response to Mothership's queries, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said they have conducted an inspection at the premises.

Preliminary investigation found food safety lapses at the establishment and enforcement action will be taken against the store, it said.

Emphasising that food safety is a "joint responsibility", the agency urged food operators to play their part by adhering to good food hygiene and preparation practices:

"Food operators should also ensure their premises are clean and well-maintained. Members of the public who have concerns about food safety practices by food operators should report to SFA via the online feedback form (www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback).

SFA said it takes a serious view towards food safety and will investigate all feedback alleging poor food safety practices.

As part of the enquiry and gathering of evidence, SFA may engage the feedback provider for more details and will not hesitate to take enforcement action if sufficient evidence has been obtained."

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