Yolé takes disciplinary actions after employee eats from tub and dips spoon in it, SFA investigating

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is investigating an incident in which an employee at Yolé was caught on camera repeatedly dipping her spoon into a tub of fruits and eating from it.

Stomper Anonymous shared a video of the incident that occurred at Yolé's United Square outlet.

She said: "It happened around five minutes to 11am before the store opened. I remember that because I was waiting for another store to open at 11am."

According to Anonymous, the staff member was eating from a tub of rock melon.

She told Stomp: "The woman in the video had just made a fruit cup from a tub of rock melon when she started to eat the fruits in the tub. She kept using the same spoon and scooped from the same bucket.

"When I returned less than 10 minutes later, the staff were cutting kiwi and the same tub was still on the table.

"I have concerns about Yolé's food safety as the COVID-19 outbreak is real. It feels like they do not care about the hygiene issues that may arise from this irresponsible act.

"I’m not sure if the same bucket of fruit will be served to other customers, but I will not buy from their outlets anymore."

Anonymous said she had also submitted the video to Yolé via its Facebook page, but did not get a response.

She added: "I filed a detailed report to the SFA yesterday (Mar 18)."

Responding to a Stomp query, the SFA said it is investigating the matter.

"Members of the public who come across poor hygiene practices in food establishments should provide feedback via our online feedback form with details for our follow-up investigations," added the SFA.

Yolé Singapore has since issued a statement regarding the matter and said: "We are aware of a recent circulating video with regards to one of the staff of our franchisee outlet at United Square, handling some food content inappropriately.

"We have been in touch with involved parties to carry out further investigation."

Yolé said that it took "immediate action" with the franchisee on "necessary disciplinary actions for the staff involved" upon being alerted about the incident.

"At Yolé, we always take pride in our product quality and customer service," added the frozen yogurt chain in a Facebook post on Wednesday evening.

"We would like to reassure all customers that your health and safety is our top priority, especially during this sensitive period, and that we are 100 percent committed to serving safe and quality food at all times.

"Hence, we have also taken extra safety and hygiene measures during this period – with frequent sanitation of common areas.

"Once again, we apologize for the unpleasant experience at United Square. Please keep your valuable feedback coming as we at Yolé thrive on good quality and services. We thank you for taking this effort to aid us."