Employee at the SIT food court stall said stall was closed when diners spotted rat
Students reacted with revulsion after they spotted a rat inside a food court stall at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) campus in Punggol.
Users circulated the video on social media sites, including Reddit, last Friday (26 Sept).
The clip shows the large critter scurrying on top of a tablet inside the darkened stall.
Source: Reddit
Netizens say rat was at economy rice stall
Though the stall did not seem to be open, that did not stop the rat from sniffing around the cash register.
Source: Reddit
Appalled netizens identified the stall as the economy rice stall in the Foodgle food court.
In April, a commenter on its Facebook page claimed rats often entered the food court.
The commenter advised them to take action.
Source: Facebook
SIT food stall disinfected after visit from rat
A male employee at the stall told Shin Min Daily News reporters on Sunday (28 Sept) that he had seen the video.
He believed someone took it last Thursday night (25 Sept), when the stall was closed.
He said they had not left any food behind and thoroughly disinfected the stall after the incident.
Source: Shin Min Daily News
Rats seen in overhead pipes, may be due to greenery
The employee, who declined to be named, said stallholders at other stalls saw rats crawling among the ceiling pipes during the day.
He added that greenery surrounds the food court, which faces Coney Island.
As a result, he said the area and its numerous overhead pipes might draw rats.
The situation reportedly worsens at night, when rats forage inside the stalls.
The employee maintained that they had reported the situation to the management.
The employee added that they were doing their best to stop the infestation by stepping up disinfection and cleaning efforts.
Other stallholders confirmed they had seen rats occasionally, but it was difficult to eradicate them completely.
Members of the public express concern
Members of the public have also expressed concern over the rats, as the food court is open to the public.
Ms Chen, 45, a nearby resident identified only by her Mandarin-transliterated name, feared the rats’ excrement would contaminate the food.
While an infestation is difficult to prevent, she hoped the vendors would be more vigilant.
A 65-year-old retiree, identified only as Mr Liu (transliterated from Mandarin), said he had never seen rats at the food court but felt disgusted after watching the video.
He suggested that management place rat traps around the stalls and hire a professional pest control service.
SFA investigating matter
In response to MS News queries, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) stated that it is investigating, noting that food safety is a shared responsibility.
The statutory board highlighted that while it puts in place and enforces the regulatory measures, food operators must play their part by adhering to good food hygiene and preparation practices.
SFA said that food operators should also ensure their premises are clean and well-maintained.
Members of the public who have concerns about food safety practices by food operators should report to SFA via the online feedback form (www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback).
SFA said it takes a serious view towards food safety and will investigate all feedback alleging poor food safety practices, adding:
“As part of the enquiry and gathering of evidence, SFA may engage the feedback provider for more details and will not hesitate to take enforcement action if sufficient evidence has been obtained.”
Also read: Rat Seemingly Passed Out On Tray At Tangs Food Court, SFA Investigating
Rat Seemingly Passed Out On Tray At Tangs Food Court, SFA Investigating
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Featured image adapted from Reddit and Shin Min Daily News.
