Girl screams after spotting wriggling cockroach on Pizza Hut slice
What was meant to be a sweet celebration lunch for her daughter turned into what one mother described as a 'food safety nightmare'.
Stomper Navishta told Stomp she had ordered a cheese pizza from Pizza Hut Tampines Mart via GrabFood on Aug 9 after her seven-year-old daughter did well in her exams.
"We usually avoid junk food and prefer providing clean, home-cooked, healthy meals for our kids," she said.
"However, today was different. My daughter was very happy with her exam results, and I asked her how she wanted to celebrate. She requested pizza."
However, when Navishta served her daughter a slice, the girl screamed before taking a bite.
"There it was... a live cockroach on her pizza slice, stuck to the cheese, moving its tentacles and trying to escape," she recounted.
"I immediately reported the matter to Grab, who promptly called me back, investigated, and issued a full refund. While I appreciate their swift action, I am utterly disgusted and deeply disappointed with Pizza Hut."
Navishta said such contamination was 'unacceptable' and pointed to 'extreme negligence' in food handling, hygiene practices or maintenance of delivery boxes.
She added: "What is even more alarming is that, after this incident, I checked the outlet's Google reviews and found that another customer had reported cockroach infestations at this same outlet two years ago. This clearly indicates that the problem is long-standing and has not been properly addressed."
In response to a Stomp query, Pizza Hut said they are aware of the Stomper's Facebook post of the recent delivery.
"Food safety and hygiene remain our highest priorities for both our customers and teams, and we strictly adhere to industry standards and best practices," a Pizza Hut spokesperson said.
"Upon receiving the feedback, Pizza Hut Singapore promptly activated a pest control investigator and received a clean report verifying the premises are pest-free.
"We have also since been in contact with the customer and spoken with them to better understand the situation. They are also aware of Pizza Hut's standards and of the measures taken.
"We take such feedback very seriously and would encourage customers to reach out to us directly at www.pizzahut.com.sg/contact so that we may address these promptly."
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) told Stomp it is looking into the matter.
"Food safety is a joint responsibility," an SFA spokesperson said.
"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.
"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.
"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."
