SINGAPORE – The Soup Spoon outlet at Tampines Mall has been suspended for two weeks by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) following hygiene and administrative lapses.
The suspension begins on Wednesday and will run until July 4, said SFA in a statement on its website.
In the statement posted on Wednesday, SFA said the licensee had accumulated 12 demerit points within the last 12 months.
The offences include a failure to keep the licensed premises free of infestation, and failing to register an assistant.
Each of the offences carries six demerit points.
The Soup Spoon’s outlet occupies the mall’s basement unit B1-K2, which also houses other brands under The Soup Spoon Union’s group, including The Grill Knife, The HandBurger and The Salad Fork.
Besides the fine and suspension, the outlet’s food handlers will be required to re-attend and pass a food safety course before they are allowed to resume work.
Food hygiene officers working at the affected eatery will also be required to re-attend and pass a more advanced food safety course.
“SFA takes a serious view of these offences and would like to remind food operators to observe good food and personal hygiene practices at all times, and to engage only registered food handlers,” it said, adding that it would not hesitate to take action against those who violate the Environmental Public Health Act.
It also urged members of the public who observe poor food safety practices in food establishments to not patronise these outlets, and instead make a report through the SFA’s online feedback form (https://www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback) or call the SFA Contact Centre on 6805-2871.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, The Soup Spoon apologised for the suspension of its outlet at Tampines mall.
It said: “Both offences occurred in February, and immediately we took responsibility with rectification measures in the outlet.”
It also said that that regular pest control maintenance and treatments beyond the boundaries of its premises were conducted.
“This is in recognising the nature of pests, especially when this outlet does not have a defined closed environment,” it added.
The Soup Spoon said that it will ensure that its full-time, part-time staff and trainees were certified.
“We remain committed to uphold the food and hygiene standards we are known for,” The Soup Spoon said.
