Tofu maker Dolford Food Manufacturing fined $3k for lapses, including cockroach infestation

Dolford Food Manufacturing Pte Ltd was fined $3,000 by the Court on Oct 30 for hygiene lapses and poor maintenance of its premises.

According to its website, Dolford Food Manufacturing produces soybean-based products like tofu and beancurd skin.

On Jul 26, several lapses were identified during a routine inspection of the licensee’s premises by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).

These include:

• Widespread cockroach infestation
• Structural damages (flooring, wall tiles, doors) that were visibly dirty including pooling of water
• Poor housekeeping

In the interest of public health, all finished food products and semi-processed food items were disposed immediately.

The operating licence of Dolford Food Manufacturing Pte Ltd was also suspended by SFA for a total of eight days from Jul 30 to Aug 7.

The suspension was lifted after the licensee rectified the lapses and took measures to improve the cleanliness of its premises.

Food safety is a joint responsibility as food can be contaminated anywhere along the food chain.

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.

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.

Offenders are liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $100 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.

Members of the public who come across poor hygiene practices in food establishments are advised not to patronise them and provide feedback via our online feedback form (www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback) or call our Contact Centre at 6805 2871 with details for our follow-up investigations.