'Very alarming' that cancelled dumpling festival in Orchard Gateway had no permit, says Stomper

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A dumpling festival to be held from June 3 to 9 in Orchard Gateway mall was cancelled on the second day after it was found to be operating without a permit.

A Stomper shared a photo of a sign about the event cancellation in the mall.

"Rumour has it that there were cases of food poisoning due to live food-handling including steaming of dumplings on site, handling food without gloves and no proper food hygiene," alleged the Stomper.

"There were no indication or markings of expiry dates."

In response to a Stomp query, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said it did not receive any application for a temporary fair permit for the Orchard Gateway event and took enforcement action duly.

Under the Environmental Public Health Act, operators of temporary fairs must obtain a permit from SFA for the duration of the fair. This allows SFA to ensure that fair operators have complied with measures to ensure food safety.

Applications should be submitted at least two weeks before the fair commencement date.

Food and beverage stalls at temporary fairs are also required to be licensed by SFA, with food handlers who have passed the mandatory Food Safety Course Level 1.

The agency added it is investigating feedback about food poisoning cases following the consumption of food products from the dumpling festival.

The Stomper said: "This is indeed very alarming to know that commercial malls can allow such illegal activities to carry on without checking the necessary documents.

"This is not a closed-door private event. The event is held at the high footfall area in Somerset, serving the masses, including tourists. It is very dangerous and possesses health risks for consumers."

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