SAFRA Toa Payoh restaurant suspended for rat infestation and expired food, FB post claims it was closed for 'renovations and maintenance'

Tim Palace, a Chinese restaurant at SAFRA Toa Payoh has been ordered by the National Environment Agency (NEA) to suspend operations for two weeks, following the discovery of a rat infestation and that it had been selling expired pre-packaged food.

The suspension will take effect form Jun 5 to Jun 18, reports Coconuts Singapore. 

Food handlers will also have to attend the Basic Food Hygiene Course before starting work again. 

Tim Palace has chalked up to 14 demerit points in the past year - four points and a fine of S$1,000 for the offence of failing to keep its premises clean, six points for a rodent infestation and another four points for selling expired pre-packaged food. 

According to NEA, any licenced stall with 12 or more points can be suspended between two to four weeks, or have their licence to operate revoked. 

A post on the Facebook page of Tim Palace stated that the reason for its closure were for renovations and maintenance, although the page has since been removed.