Man finds metal wire piece in carrot cake, stall steps up food safety checks

A customer dining at Satay By The Bay had an unpleasant extra ingredient in his carrot cake: a piece of metal wire.

Speaking to Mothership, the customer, who wished to remain anonymous, said he had been enjoying a plate of carrot cake from Huat Huat BBQ Chicken Wings when he suddenly bit down on something unusual.

Upon closer inspection, he discovered it was a piece of metal wire.

He immediately brought the matter to the attention of stall staff, who he said appeared "stunned" by the discovery.

The staff quickly refunded him S$6 and offered to prepare a fresh plate of carrot cake, though he turned this down.

A complimentary plate of popiah was also extended as a gesture of goodwill, which he similarly declined.

Stall has stepped up on food safety checks

Satay By The Bay told Mothership that the stall has since tightened its food preparation and inspection processes following the incident.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) conducted an on-site inspection of Huat Huat's premises on Mar. 16, four days after the incident, and found no food safety violations.

Standard cleaning procedures at the stall also involve the use of soft sponges for utensils.

As an additional precaution, Satay By The Bay said it has informed its carrot cake base supplier about the incident and will increase vigilance in monitoring third-party supplies.

"Food safety is our top priority, and we take the matter very seriously."

SFA investigating the incident

In response to Mothership's queries, SFA said it is investigating the incident.

The agency noted that while it sets and enforces regulatory standards, the onus remains on food operators to adhere to proper hygiene and food preparation practices, and ensure that their premises are clean and well maintained.

"Food safety is a shared responsibility."

Members of the public with concerns about food safety practices can report them to SFA through its online feedback form here.

SFA added that it treats all food safety feedback seriously, may follow up with feedback providers for additional information, and will pursue enforcement action where evidence is sufficient.

Top photos courtesy of Mothership reader