Diners leave eatery without finishing meal after cockroach appears on table, SFA investigating

When contacted by Stomp, Seng Kee Black Chicken Herbal Soup said a check of CCTV footage showed the cockroach “flying from outside to the table”.

In CCTV footage shared with Stomp, the diners can be seen jolting at the cockroach’s appearance, with one of them getting up from his seat.

The diners can also be seen informing the elderly cleaner about the incident and pointing at their table.

The eatery added: “We also tried calling the customer but did not get a response.”

A spokesperson for Seng Kee Black Chicken Herbal Soup said the diners should have informed staff at the eatery about the incident after it happened.

When it was pointed out that the diners had told a cleaner, the spokesperson said the cleaner was an old man who “dunno anything”.

In response to a Stomp query, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said it is investigating.

“Food safety is a joint responsibility,” SFA added.

“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.

“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.

“SFA takes a serious view towards food safety and will investigate all feedback alleging poor food safety practices.

“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.”