SINGAPORE - The National Environment Agency (NEA) has suspended the licence of a foodshop at Punggol Waterway Point mall for failing to register one of its staff members and selling unclean food.

NEA did not name the outlet in a notice on its website, but gave the full address instead: 83 Punggol Central, #01-66, Watertown Singapore 828761.

A business listings check showed that the shop in question belongs to local bakery chain Cedele.

NEA said the licensee has been suspended for two weeks, from Thursday (July 28) to Aug 10.

In turn, Cedele said on its website that the Waterway Point outlet is closed for "servicing" and will reopen for business on Aug 11.

NEA said the outlet had accumulated 12 demerit points over the past 12 months and was fined a total of $800 for the two offences. It added that the shop could have had its operations suspended for four weeks, or lose its licence altogether.

All food handlers working in the suspended premises would also be required to attend and pass the Basic Food Hygiene Course again, before they can resume work as food handlers.

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

If the public comes across poor hygiene practices in food establishments, they can call the 24-hour NEA Contact Centre at 1800 - CALL NEA (1800 - 2255632) to provide information.