SINGAPORE – Nasi lemak chain Crave has initiated a recall of a recent batch of begedils (potato patties) from its stores after a man took to social media and claimed he found a bug in a packet of food purchased from its Bedok Mall outlet.
In response to The Straits Times’ queries, Crave Foods said in a statement last Thursday that it has also contacted its supplier to investigate the sourcing and handling of the affected food item.
In addition, it conducted a “thorough assessment” of the store’s cleanliness standards and engaged a professional pest control firm.
“Our investigation has reaffirmed that our food safety protocols were diligently followed,” said the statement. “Both our supplier and pest control specialist have confirmed that our premises are pest-free, and our products meet all food safety and health standards.”
It decided to recall the batch of begedils “as a precautionary measure”.
Crave said it contacted the affected customer last Tuesday and has maintained communication with him.
The customer, Mr Hayden Goh, had posted his complaint on Facebook on Tuesday morning.
In a video he posted, someone can be seen raising a half-eaten begedil with a spoon, with what appears to be an insect about the size of a grain of rice on it.
Mr Goh, a 41-year-old customer service manager, had bought two packets of nasi lemak from Crave’s Bedok Mall outlet for dinner on Monday night and said he was shocked when he saw the bug in his wife’s packet of food.
He told ST that his 17-month-old daughter, who ate some rice from his packet, fell ill with gastric flu the following day.
“I contacted Crave immediately, which shared that it has done the necessary checks and offered me compensation in terms of a refund, (reimbursing) my daughter’s medical bills, and food vouchers,” said Mr Goh, who said he frequently buys from the chain.
“My daughter started vomiting and had diarrhoea, but I wasn’t sure if it was caused by the food. Out of goodwill, Crave decided to compensate us.”
Mr Goh said this was the first time something like this has happened to him, and he was glad that Crave took ownership of the incident. “I’m still liaising with Crave for a written response of the outcome of its findings that I’ve requested over the phone,” he added.
Mr Goh said he has also reported the matter to the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).
The SFA said it is looking into the matter and it takes a serious view towards food safety.
“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,” it added.
Members of the public who come across any potentially errant food operator should report to SFA via the online feedback form (www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback).
