A dinner crowd at Lucky Plaza was left stunned after a rat allegedly dropped from the ceiling into a bowl of soup at a basement food court earlier this month.
The incident reportedly took place at the Asian Food Mall located on the B1 level of the Orchard Road mall during the early evening peak period. A diner who witnessed the episode said the rodent fell from an overhead section filled with exposed ductwork and pipes before landing directly into a patron’s meal.
A short video clip circulating online captured the chaotic moments that followed. In the footage, the soaked rat appeared disoriented as it climbed out of the soup and perched itself briefly on a fork resting atop a plate of rice, prompting visible alarm among nearby diners.
Food Safety Concerns Raised After Viral Clip
According to the eyewitness account, a woman seated at the table quickly shifted her belongings away as the rat moved across the tabletop. Moments later, a staff member rushed forward and grabbed the animal using a damp rag.
The affected dishes were subsequently removed and replaced, with the stall operator offering takeaway meals to those impacted. However, the diner who shared the footage claimed that no representative from the food court’s management approached them to apologise. He added that he would not be returning to eat there again.
The incident has reignited public discussion over food hygiene standards in high-footfall retail properties, particularly in centrally located shopping centres frequented by both locals and tourists. Food safety experts note that pest control and regular maintenance are critical components of commercial kitchen compliance, especially in older buildings with complex ceiling infrastructure.
Operator Says Cleaning Conducted, First Sighting
In response to media queries, the food court operator said the pest and contaminated food were removed immediately, and the affected area was thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The operator also described the occurrence as the first reported rat sighting on its premises.
They reiterated their commitment to maintaining a clean and safe dining environment for customers. Pest management contractors were reportedly engaged to conduct additional inspections following the incident.
The Singapore Food Agency confirmed that it is investigating the matter. In a statement, the agency emphasised that food safety is a shared responsibility between regulators and food operators. While enforcement measures are in place, businesses must adhere strictly to hygiene and preparation standards to prevent contamination risks.
Members of the public who observe lapses in food hygiene practices are encouraged to submit feedback through official channels. The agency stated it would not hesitate to take enforcement action if sufficient evidence of breaches is found.
The case serves as a reminder that vigilance remains crucial in Singapore’s highly regulated food and beverage sector, where consumer confidence depends heavily on strict sanitation standards and prompt incident management.