SINGAPORE – The licence of a canteen stall at a Nanyang Technological University (NTU) hall of residence has been suspended after it failed to keep its premises free of a cockroach infestation.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said on its website that the licence of Foodelicia, located at 38 Nanyang Crescent, has been suspended from Tuesday to Nov 6. The stall is one of eight – 01-51 to 01-58 – at Block 23.

It was fined $800 for neglecting to prevent the infestation and failing to register an assistant, accumulating 12 demerit points for these offences.

Based on track records, a licensee that chalks up 12 or more demerit points within a 12-month period may have its licence suspended for either two or four weeks, or cancelled, by SFA.

All food handlers and food hygiene officers working in such premises will have to re-attend and pass a safety course before they can resume work.

SFA said it takes a serious view of these offences and reminded operators to observe good food and personal hygiene practices at all times, and to engage only registered food handlers.

The public can raise the alarm on poor safety practices in food establishments at this website or call the SFA Contact Centre on 6805-2871.

A NTU spokesman said the canteen operator Foodgle is taking disciplinary and corrective action, which includes stepping up cleaning and pest control measures.

“All food court operators on campus are contractually required to strictly comply with SFA requirements, and good food and personal hygiene practices at all times,” he added.