Cockroach in duck rice at Bukit Timah food centre: SFA finds no pest infestation, no food safety lapses

They seem to be everywhere and unfortunately, that means in your food too.

A diner was shocked to find a cockroach in the duck rice he was eating at Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre on Aug 29 and reported it to the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).

Stomper Jayden shared photos of the insect on his plate of half-eaten food.

In response to a Stomp query, SFA said it had inspected the food establishment and did not detect any pest infestation or food safety lapses.

The Stomper recounted: "I was having my lunch at Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre and ordered the duck rice from the Seah Family Braised Duck Rice stall at unit #02-129.

"After eating halfway through, I found a cockroach in my food!

"I was utterly shocked and complained to the stall owner, but they refuted my claims, giving the excuse that they have been in the business for 30 years. Having been in the business for so long is no excuse for being unhygienic!"

He alerted SFA about the incident on the same afternoon.

The agency told Stomp on Wednesday (Sept 13): "SFA had inspected the food establishment and did not detect any pest infestation or food safety lapses. Nonetheless, the food operator was reminded to ensure their premises are clean and well-maintained and that their food handlers adhere to good personal hygiene and food handling 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 come across any potentially errant food operator should report to SFA via the online feedback form (www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback). 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."

Earlier this week, Stomp reported that a man found a cockroach in bean curd bought from a FairPrice supermarket in Bishan.

Last week, it was reported a woman found five cockroaches in the dried chilli chicken cube rice from  Hai Zhong Bao restaurant's Wave 9 outlet in Woodlands.

Last month, the insect was also spotted at the drinks counter in the Bras Basah Complex food court.