Woman disgusted by cockroach at Stuff'd store: 'Staff smacked it with glove but didn't clean area'

The Singapore Food Agency and Stuff'd have responded to feedback from a customer who reported seeing a cockroach at the F&B chain's Northpoint City outlet.

Stomper Christina said she spotted the insect on the store's glass display counter last Wednesday (Apr 5), at around 4.38pm.

She shared a video of the incident and told Stomp: "I felt very disgusted. The staff used his glove to smack the cockroach dead and then changed the glove. However, he didn't use a cloth to wipe clean the area where he smacked."

Christina also informed SFA about the matter on the same day.

In response to a Stomp query, a Stuff'd spokesman said: "Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention.

"We take all reports of pests in our outlets very seriously as the health and safety of our customers and staff are of utmost importance to us.

"As our outlets are designed as open concept spaces, insects may enter from external sources. Hence, we are rigorous in our daily checks and cleaning procedures to prevent such issues from happening to our best ability.

"We also engage professional cleaning companies to carry out deep cleaning and sanitization of our outlets after operational hours. This is to ensure that all areas, including those that are not easily visible, are thoroughly cleaned and maintained.

"Finally, we appoint a pest control company to conduct monthly checks at our premises and put in place preventive measures, if necessary, to ensure our outlets remain pest-free.

"We would like to take this opportunity to reassure you that we maintain a high standard of cleanliness and implement measures to ensure a pest-free environment at our outlets."

SFA told Stomp that it inspected the food establishment and did not detect any food safety lapses.

"Nonetheless, the food operator was reminded to ensure their premises is clean and well-maintained and that their food handlers adhere to good personal hygiene and food handling practices," SFA added.

"Food safety is a joint responsibility. While SFA puts in place and enforces the regulatory measures, retail food establishments must play their part by adhering to good food hygiene and preparation practices.

"Members of the public who come across any potentially errant food establishment should report to SFA via the online feedback form. SFA will not hesitate to take enforcement action if we have obtained sufficient evidence."