Singapore ― Employees of Pontian Wanton Noodles were seen chopping and preparing meat on the floor by a member of the public, sparking an investigation by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).
Despite being told by the witness that the practice was unhygienic, the staff allegedly ignored the warning.
“We told Pontian employees directly that this was not hygienic and asked for their manager’s number, but they ignored us,” said the member of the public, sharing her encounter with Stomp on Thursday (Oct 7).
The incident is reported to have happened on Sept 29 at around 3:30 pm at the stall’s Paya Lebar Square outlet.
The woman took photos and a video of the two staff members squatting on the floor, handling the meat.
The incident has been reported to SFA, with the agency confirming receipt of the feedback.
“Food safety is a joint responsibility. While SFA puts in place and enforces the regulatory measures, food operators must play their part by adhering to good food hygiene and preparation practices,” said SFA, noting it was investigating the incident.
Members of the public who encounter any potentially errant food operators should report the matter to SFA through its online feedback form, said SFA.
“As part of the enquiry and gathering of evidence, SFA may engage the feedback provider for more details,” it added.
SFA will not hesitate to take enforcement action against errant food operators if it has obtained sufficient evidence.
In 2019, the same restaurant chain violated food hygiene practices after a customer witnessed a Pontian Wanton Noodle employee pick up dumplings that fell on the floor and allegedly placed them back with the rest.
“I told her to dispose all (the dumplings) in front of me, and she started shouting at me that it is none of my business, claiming that she will dispose (of them) when she is free, and I may stay around to supervise if I (would) like to,” the witness shared online in a Facebook post.
“The box of dumplings was still on the tabletop when I left, and (it) will be served to unknowing customers,” he added. /TISG
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