S'pore woman, 33, allegedly finds cockroach in Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles bak chor mee, SFA says it's taken 'enforcement actions'

A 33-year-old woman was a couple of mouthfuls into her takeaway bak chor mee when she found what appeared to be a dead baby cockroach in her food.

Speaking to Mothership, the woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said she had bought the meal from Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles at Crawford Lane on Jun. 9.

"Thank God I was looking at my food if not I would have probably eaten it," she said.

She added that she is five months pregnant.

While she has not felt unwell or experienced any physical discomfort since her meal, she reported the incident to the store and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).

"This was just so gross and a testament to their hygiene standards," she said.

She said she has since received a refund from the store.

Non-compliance: SFA

In response to Mothership's queries, SFA said that it had inspected the food establishment and taken enforcement actions for the non-compliance found.

"The food operator was reminded to ensure its premises are clean and well-maintained and its food handlers adhere to good food safety practices," said SFA.

The agency added that food safety is a joint responsibility, requiring both regulation and enforcement on SFA's part, and adherence to proper hygiene practices by food operators.

Members of the public who have concerns about food safety practices by food operators should report it to SFA via the online feedback form.

The agency added: "SFA 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."

Mothership has reached out to Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles for more information.