Central kitchen operator fined $6k for roach infestation, more
Other hygiene lapses include poor housekeeping, leading to flies and ants in cutting room
A central kitchen operator that makes cooked meals was fined $6,000 in court yesterday for failing to ensure that its premises were properly maintained and kept clean, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said yesterday.
Several hygiene lapses were found in Obayed Holdings' central kitchen at Food Xchange @ Admiralty during routine inspections on Sept 5 and Nov 15, the SFA said.
These included widespread cockroach infestation, structural damage, such as cracked floor tiles in the cooking room, as well as poor housekeeping, which resulted in the presence of houseflies and ants in the cutting room.
DEAD
The food safety inspectors also found dead cockroaches in pots and cockroach eggs on a stove.
Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority records show that Obayed Holdings, which is wholly owned by Bangladeshi national Obaidur Rahman, has a paid-up capital of $250,000 and has been operating since 2008.
Formerly known as Obayed Restaurant and Catering, it supplies food to the construction industry.
The SFA said 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 measure are in place and properly enforced, the industry and consumers must also play their part," it said.
SFA warned it would take action against food operators that flout regulations or do not comply with food hygiene and safety requirements.
They can be fined up to $5,000 and face a further fine of up to $100 for every day the offence continues after conviction.
Members of the public who come across poor hygiene practices in food establishments are advised to provide feedback via sfa.gov.sg/feedback or call 6805-2871 with details for follow-up investigations.
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