SFA advises consumers to check packaging after man finds mouldy chapati expired in June at All India Supermart

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has advised consumers to check their food packaging carefully after a man found a packet of mouldy chapati at All India Supermart.

And it was not just the mould that shocked the man -- the chapati had expired in June this year.

Stomper Anonymous shared that he saw a packet of expired and mouldy chapati at the specialty supermarket on Nov 29 at 11.45pm.

According to their website, the supermarket, which is located at 41 Norris Road, is open 24 hours.

Photos that Anonymous sent shows the chapati had expired on June 4, 2020.

About five spots of mould can also be seen on the chapati.

Anonymous shared that he was about to purchase the chapati, until he caught a glimpse of the mould and saw the expiry date.

In response to a Stomp query, a spokesman for All India Supermarket said: "The chapati in our shop expires after three days, so we do not usually keep it in the fridge. Nonetheless, our manager has checked and cleared the expired packet of chapati.

"We are sorry for the inconvenience caused and we assure you that this will not happen again."

An SFA spokesman also said: "Under the Environmental Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations, no person engaged in the sale of food shall sell any pre-packed food after the expiry date shown on the packaging."

SFA added that food safety is a joint responsibility. While SFA puts in place and enforces the regulatory measures, the industry should also ensure that the food products they sell meet SFA’s requirements and food safety standards.

"Consumers are also advised to check the packaging carefully when selecting pre-packed food," said the spokesman.

"This includes taking note of the expiry date markings on food products before purchase and making sure that food products are stored according to storage instructions, if any."

For more information on proper food safety practices, please refer to SFA's website.

Consumers who come across any pre-packed products for sale that are past their expiry dates can also report to SFA via the online feedback form (www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback).