Food processing firm fined $3k over cockroach and rodent infestation, housekeeping lapses

Food processing establishment Dawood Flour Mill & Provision Pte Ltd was fined $3,000 on Wednesday (Dec 9) for failing to keep its licensed premises clean and free of pest infestation.

An inspection of the licensee’s premises by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) on January 29 detected cockroaches and signs of rodent infestations in the food processing area.

Several lapses relating to poor housekeeping of the premises were also observed, said SFA in a statement on Wednesday.

In the interest of public health, SFA had suspended the operating licence of the licensee for a total of 15 days from January 30 to February 13.

"The suspension was lifted after the licensee had rectified the lapses and took measures to improve the cleanliness of its premises," SFA added.

Food safety is a joint responsibility as food can be contaminated anywhere along the food chain, reminded SFA in its statement.

"While SFA continues to be vigilant and works to ensure that regulatory measures are in place and properly enforced, the industry and consumers must also play their part," said the agency.

"All food operators should ensure that their premises are clean and well-maintained, and staff are adequately trained on proper food safety management.

"SFA will take enforcement action against food operators who do not adhere to regulations or comply with food hygiene and food safety requirements."

If convicted, offenders may be fined up to $10,000 and/or jailed up to 12 months.

Members of the public who come across poor hygiene practices in food establishments are advised not to patronise them and provide feedback via SFA's online feedback form.

You may also call SFA's contact centre at 6805 2871 with details for follow-up investigations.