Patrons of the Beauty World Food Centre are raising alarms over sanitation issues following confirmed rat sightings. This has led the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and National Environment Agency (NEA) to urge stallholders to bolster hygiene and food safety measures amid growing concerns from both customers and vendors.
Inspection and Findings
A joint inspection by the SFA and NEA revealed troubling signs of a rodent problem, including extensive droppings throughout the premises. According to a recent statement, the infestation poses a serious hygiene risk, particularly as the centre serves food to the public.
Hawkers Voice Concerns
While stallholders claim to be adopting additional cleanliness measures, many expressed frustrations over the overall state of the food centre. Reports of rubbish littering the floors and food spills attracting pests have been common.
- Mr Lim: Owner of a Western food stall, noted they engage pest control services monthly but still see dirt accumulating in common areas.
- Mr Terry Ng: Runs a drinks stall, highlighted that customers often complain about the surrounding cleanliness despite his stall being frequently cleaned.
Stallholders pool together to cover pest control costs, which can amount to around S$30 monthly per stall. However, as the situation unfolds, they worry about diminishing patronage influenced by the troubling reports.
Customer Reactions
Guests at the food centre have varied responses to the ongoing rat issue. Some, like Ms Elaine Ng, noted the presence of the rats yet remain unfazed, stating, “It’s not dirty to a point that it’s off-putting.” Others like Mdm Alice, who has visited the centre for over thirty years, agree that while some areas are clean, others leave much to be desired.
Regulatory Response
In light of the findings, the SFA and NEA have reminded stallholders to:
- Store food in rat-proof containers.
- Keep stalls clear of food scraps.
- Properly bag refuse prior to disposal.
Failure to comply with these regulations could result in hefty fines or imprisonment for repeat offenders, underscoring the seriousness of maintaining hygiene standards in food-serving establishments.