S'pore caterer fined S$8,000 for food safety lapses, including cockroaches & dirty ice machine: SFA

Local caterer Shiok Kitchen Catering was fined S$8,000 on Apr. 9 for food safety lapses, said the Singapore Food Agency.

This comes after 395 individuals reported suffering from gastroenteritis after they consumed food from the caterer in November and December 2023.

At the time, SFA suspended its food operations indefinitely and ordered the caterer to clean and sanitise the premises.

The suspension ended on Jan. 5, 2024.

Food safety lapses

In a joint inspection, SFA and the Ministry of Health (MOH) discovered food safety lapses such as a dirty chiller, a dirty ice-making machine, and a dirty kitchen scale.

Cockroaches were found in an unused chiller.

In addition, a food sample of ready-to-eat spinach collected for lab testing was found to be "unfit for human consumption".

SFA reiterated that food safety is a joint responsibility, and that industry and consumers should also "play their part".

Food establishments should ensure their premises are clean and well maintained, and adhere to proper food hygiene and food safety requirements.

Meanwhile, members of the public who come across poor hygiene practices at food establishments are advised not to patronise them and to make a report via SFA's online feedback form.

Food operators who do not adhere to the Sale of Food (Non-Retail Food Business) Regulations may be fined up to S$5,000.

If the offence continues after conviction, they may be further fined up to S$100 per day.

Top image from SFA