Following a now-viral video clip of a dying rat found on a food tray at Tangs Market and subsequent investigations by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the National Environment Agency (NEA), Tangs Market will be closed today (30 November) for “deep cleaning and sanitation works,” according to Channel NewsAsia.
Tangs said in a statement yesterday that the food court was closed for a thorough cleaning and sanitising on Wednesday, with another session scheduled for today (30 November).
They said that it was part of their efforts to “exceed hygiene and sanitisation standards” and that “We, together with Fei Siong and our other F&B operators at Tangs Market, continue to render support and assistance to affected customers.”
This comes after the NEA and SFA said in a joint statement that their officers had discovered a rat infestation in the ceiling areas, as well as lapses in hygiene standards in 5 of the food stalls.
Tangs described the incident as “regrettable” and added that they are taking all matters that concern public health very seriously.
They also added that they will be continuing their engagement with SFA and its partnered agencies to uphold their standards of hygiene, including increasing pest control checks and cleaning works.
Recap on incident
In the heart of the bustling Tangs Plaza food court, a scene unfolded that left diners in sheer disbelief and horror.
A gigantic rat, slumped over on a food tray, was still alive but appeared to be in the throes of death. The reactions of nearby diners ranged from gasps to outright shrieks as they grappled with the unsettling sight before them.
As patrons were enjoying their meals, the atmosphere took a drastic turn when the attention shifted to a particular dining table.
A huge rat, its fur matted and body languid, lay on a tray as if it had claimed the spot as its own. Despite the apparent distress of the creature, it still exhibited feeble movements, adding an eerie dimension to the already surreal scene.
The immediate reactions from diners were a mix of shock, disgust, and disbelief. Some recoiled in horror, while others couldn’t help but vocalize their astonishment as some of them gasped and shrieked.
The food court, typically filled with the hum of conversations, fell into a momentary hush as the sight registered with everyone present.
The tray of food under the rat’s dominion told a tale of diners abruptly vacating the area. Plates and utensils were left as if in mid-use, a clear indication that the appearance of the rat had prompted a swift and collective retreat from the scene.