Staff not wearing masks properly, 'messy' kitchen and uncovered bin at pizza restaurant

A Stomper was concerned to see a pizza restaurant with a 'messy' kitchen and staff not wearing their masks properly at CityLink Mall.

The Stomper had visited Yellow Cab Pizza restaurant to pick up food on May 10, and was there from around 3.30pm to 4.15pm.

He raised hygiene issues after seeing "one restaurant employee without a mask on" and another not wearing her mask properly.

The Stomper said: "The restaurant is so messy too."

Photos that he submitted show part of the restaurant with its floor cluttered with various items, as well as an uncovered dustbin.

In response to queries by Stomp, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) provided the following statement: "Under the Environmental Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations, licensees of food establishments must ensure that the licensed premises is kept clean, and that refuse bins are covered at all times.

"Every person selling cooked food must also protect the food from likely contamination and not prepare any food which is unfit for consumption."

SFA said it conducts regular inspections of food retail establishments to ensure compliance with its regulations, and will not hesitate to take enforcement action if necessary.

"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," added a spokesman.

"In addition, during the COVID-19 period, personnel of food establishments must also observe all relevant safe distancing measures, including the wearing of masks, under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures)(Control Order) Regulations 2020.

"Checks will be done by Enforcement Officers from various agencies as part of routine patrols and enforcement action will be taken against offenders for any infringements."

Members of the public who come across any potentially errant food operator should report the matter to SFA via its online feedback form.

The spokesman said: "As part of the enquiry and gathering of evidence, SFA may engage the feedback provider for more details. SFA will work with other agencies if necessary, and will not hesitate to take enforcement action against errant food handlers if we have obtained sufficient evidence."

Stomp has contacted Yellow Cab Pizza for comment.

While the restaurant has not replied Stomp's email at the time of writing, it has responded on Stomp's Facebook post.

View more photos taken by the Stomper in the gallery.