Swee Heng delivery man in Woodlands allegedly drops food on ground & puts them back in trays

UPDATE on Feb. 2, 5:35pm: The article has been updated with SFA's statement.

A delivery worker bringing breads and pastries to the Swee Heng Bakery outlet at Admiralty Place in Woodlands was filmed picking up some of the baked goods that had fallen onto the ground and placing them back into their trays for delivery.

Baked goods seen scattered on the floor

In the video, a delivery truck can be seen parked with its rear doors open, with three stacks of green trays filled with plastic-wrapped baked goods placed on the ground.

However, several bread and pastry products, though still in their packaging, appeared to have fallen out of the trays and were scattered around on the ground.

The delivery worker was seen collecting the fallen items and returning them to the trays.

The baked goods that had slipped out of their packaging were placed on an empty tray and left inside the truck.

Speaking to Mothership, the person who filmed the video, who wished to be known only as Chia, said the incident occurred around 7:50am on Jan. 18 at the wet market loading bay at Block 678A Woodlands Avenue 6.

He said the delivery worker had attempted to unload multiple crates at once, but about five to six trays fell to the ground during the process.

Chia claimed that similar incidents had occurred in the past.

All delivery personnel have been briefed on proper food handling procedures: Swee Heng

Chia said he has since filed a report with the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) regarding the incident.

In response to Mothership's queries, Swee Heng Bakery said it is aware of the video found online and that it takes the allegation seriously.

"Food safety and hygiene are of utmost importance to Swee Heng Bakery, and we have strict procedures to ensure that all products meet our standards before reaching customers," it said.

The bakery added that any unpacked food items that are potentially contaminated are immediately returned to its headquarters for proper disposal.

All delivery personnel have also been briefed on proper food handling procedures, and the company's Quality Assurance department has also conducted internal training for the driver involved to ensure adherence to strict hygiene standards.

"We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of food safety for our customers."

In a statement on Feb. 2, SFA said its investigations revealed that there were no food safety lapses.

However, the food operator was reminded to adhere to good food safety practices.

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 have concerns about food safety practices by food operators should report to SFA via the online feedback form.

The agency also affirmed it takes a serious view towards food safety and will investigate all feedback alleging poor food safety practices.

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

Top photos via Alvin Chia/YouTube