Rats were filmed foraging in a kueh rice cake basket at Pasir Ris coffee shop; staff says monthly pest control is already in place

SINGAPORE: Rats have been spotted foraging for food at a coffee shop in Pasir Ris, sparking food hygiene concerns among the members of the public. As reported by Shin Min Daily News, customers saw two rats climbing into a basket full of kueh rice cake, emerging from under an adjacent cabinet near the basket. 

Additionally, there was the smell of rat droppings that lingered around the coffee shop, and some of these wastes can be evidently seen. When reporters visited the shop, it was discovered that there were six or seven rats scurrying at the shop within just 30 minutes—moving under the cabinets and in the gaps between doors. 

An employee admitted that they had previously set up traps and caught two rats. The coffee shop manager also stated that they have rodent control measures every month, and they caught the rats in cages two weeks ago. 

The Singapore Food Agency further stated that an investigation has been launched for this case, and enforcement action will take place once enough evidence is gathered. The authorities emphasized that food safety is a shared responsibility, and that implementing regulatory measures in food businesses must comply with the standards of good food hygiene and handling practices set by the government. 

Other related news 

In other news, there was a report where the Singapore Food Agency released a statement regarding various Bomberry products, due to the potential presence of metal contamination.

As stated on the Food Bureau’s website, the Singaporean government has directed the importer to recall the stated products. 

Read more about the news story here.