Sheng Siong removes House Brand basmati rice products from stores after man finds dead rat in pack

Update on Mar 5:

An Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) spokesman told Stomp that investigations are ongoing and issued the following statement regarding the rat found in a pack of House Brand rice:

"Investigations are ongoing.

"As a precautionary measure, the importer has removed the implicated batch of House brand basmati rice from the shelves in all retail outlets.

"Food safety is a joint responsibility.

"While the authorities continue to be vigilant and work to ensure that the regulatory measures are in place and properly enforced, the food industry and consumers should play their part too.

"The industry is reminded to exercise diligence in ensuring the food they supply is safe and suitable for consumption.

"Consumers who come across food that is unsafe and/or unsuitable for consumption should bring it to the attention of the retailer immediately.

"Consumers should also be aware of good practices in food safety and apply them in daily life. 

"Consumers can learn more about food safety tips on AVA’s website."

Original article:

Sheng Siong has removed House Brand basmati rice products from all of its stores after a man found a dead rat in a pack he bought on Saturday (Mar 2), the supermarket chain told Stomp in a statement.

Stomper Venesh told Stomp that he had bought the pack of basmati rice from Sheng Siong's supermarket at Block 739A Bedok Reservoir Road.

He was understandably shocked when he found a dead rat inside the pack.

"My whole house was full of the dead rat smell," he said.

He told Stomp he promptly reported the incident to the supermarket and the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA).

"A manager at Sheng Siong informed me that they will remove their stock from the store," he said.

"I hope they will remove them from other stores too."

In response to a Stomp media query, a Sheng Siong spokesman issued the following statement:

"Our Bedok Reservoir Road 739A store was informed by the customer last Saturday (Mar 2) afternoon of the incident.

"All our stores have immediately removed the basmati rice products from the brand 'House Brand' upon notification and the supplier was also informed of the matter.

"We have conducted a refund for the customer and will work closely with AVA.

"The supplier is currently investigating the matter."