Diner finds cockroach in economy rice: SFA taking action against Clementi stall for non-compliance
Update on Aug 8:
Original article:
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) will be taking enforcement actions against a coffee shop stall in Clementi following feedback from a Stomper who found a cockroach in her meal.
Stomper Yvonne said she bought a plate of economy rice from Kopiwu coffee shop, located at Block 420A Clementi Avenue 1, on July 31.
Yvonne recounted: "My son was sick and on MC, so we went to the coffee shop for lunch and I ordered economy rice for him."
The meal, consisting of kung pao chicken, minced meatball and beansprouts, cost $4.40
.
"Halfway through eating the chicken, my son covered something weird," said Yvonne. "There was some sort of 'stem'. He tossed the food on top and uncovered a whole dead cockroach underneath.
"I took the plate to the stall and tried calling out to attract the attention of the three staff members there. A fourth person was washing vegetables in front of me.
"The cashier standing right in front of me ignored me even after I called 'excuse me' several times. The other two turned to look a few times, but chose to ignore me and turned their backs. It was only when I said aloud, 'Your stall's hygiene is in question' that the washer came over and listened to me."
Yvonne showed her plate to the washer, but his response was less than satisfactory.
"He said, 'Really sorry about that', kept the plate, took out a $10 note while continuing to apologise 'sorry, sorry, really sorry', and nudged me away with his fingers on my shoulder blade," the Stomper added.
"He seemed to be signalling that we were done and my time was up, as he walked back to the stall and went on like it was business as usual.
"Feeling frustrated, I walked back, slapped the $10 bill onto his counter and told them, 'I'm not having your compensation.'
"I went back to my table with an empty stomach, save for a growing anger in the pit of my belly.
"The washer guy came out five minutes later and apologised again, He brought a $10 note and insisted I keep it even though I told him I had no change. He also proceeded to buy two cold drinks for me and my son as a way of apology.
"It is after some thought that I decided to share this with Stomp, as hygiene has always been an issue in this coffee shop (based on my husband's and my own observations)."
In response to a Stomp query, SFA said on Aug 3 that it inspected the food establishment and will be taking enforcement actions for the non-compliance found.
SFA did not elaborate on what the non-compliance was, but added: "The food operator was reminded to ensure their premises are clean and well-maintained and their food handlers 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.
SFA said it 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.
Yvonne, who reported the incident to SFA after alerting Stomp, said: "It was in afterthought that SFA should be the proper channel. Stomp should feel proud of its reputation."
