In a bizarre and unsettling incident, a diner in Singapore recently made a stomach-turning discovery when they found a cockroach nestled within their takeaway dim sum from a local coffee shop stall, according to STOMP.
This unnerving incident, which allegedly occurred at Kimly Dim Sum in Choa Chu Kang, has raised concerns about food safety and hygiene standards.
The Shocking Discovery
The incident in question transpired on the evening of September 12, around 7 PM, when a netizen’s husband purchased two pieces of siew mai from Kimly Dim Sum at Block 429A Choa Chu Kang Avenue 4.
Upon returning home and eagerly opening the box of delicious dim sum, he was met with a sight that sent shivers down his spine – a lifeless cockroach perched on one of the siew mai.
Addressing the Disturbing Find
The netizen, Doris, understandably appalled by the discovery, recounted the incident and shared, “You can tell from the picture that the dead cockroach has dried up.”
Shocked and concerned, she wasted no time and visited the stall the very next morning to provide feedback.
To her dismay, the stallholder’s response was far from satisfactory. The stallholder insisted that it was impossible for them not to have noticed the cockroach when packing the food. The stallholder even claimed that the cockroach had originated from Mr. Doris’s house.
Public Outcry and Concerns
The incident did not go unnoticed by the local community. Doris added that residents living in the vicinity had previously allegedly expressed concerns about the hygiene standards at the Kimly Dim Sum stall.
Complaints ranged from an unkempt environment to a lack of proper food storage practices, including uncovered porridge pots and sightings of small cockroaches scurrying about.
SFA’s Response and Responsibility
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is currently investigating the incident, and they said that they acknowledge the gravity of the situation. The SFA stated, “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.”
The SFA also emphasized the importance of public involvement in maintaining food safety standards. Members of the public who come across any potentially errant food operator are encouraged to report such incidents to SFA via the online feedback form.