If you’re a Westie, you’ve probably visited Jurong Point quite often.
You might have strolled past the mall this week to enjoy your favourite kaya toast with butter and eggs combo at Ya Kun Kaya Toast, only to find out that it’s closed.
Reader: Why is it closed? Are they undergoing renovations?
Unfortunately, Ya Kun Kaya Toast is one of two eateries in Jurong Point shopping mall that has been suspended for two weeks due to food hygiene issues.
As we’ve seen in other recent cases, the Singaporean government strongly emphasises hygiene practices, especially within the food and beverage (F&B) sector.
Ya Kun & King of Prawn Noodles in Jurong Point Suspended for 2 Weeks for Food Hygiene Issues
According to The Straits Times, two eateries in Jurong Point, Ya Kun Family Cafe and King of Prawn Noodles, will have their licenses suspended from 13 December to 26 December 2023, as announced by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) on its website.
Additionally, they have each been fined $800.
These penalties were imposed because both licensees accumulated 12 demerit points within the last 12 months due to their failure in ensuring their premises were free of infestations.
Ya Kun Family Cafe occupies three units – #02-K1, #02-K2, and #02-K4. King of Prawn Noodles occupies unit #03-08, as indicated in the notices published on 13 December.
The outlets are slated to open on 27 December 2023.
As per the SFA’s directives, all food handlers and food hygiene officers working in these eateries must undergo and pass a safety course before they can resume work.
Furthermore, the licensees are required to ensure that any food hygiene officers working on their premises complete and pass the Workforce Skills Qualifications Food Safety Course Level 3.
The SFA emphasises that it takes these offences seriously and reminds food operators to consistently adhere to good food and personal hygiene practices, employing only registered food handlers.
The SFA will take firm action against any violations of the Environmental Public Health Act.
This incident sheds light on a recent occurrence involving another eatery that faced suspension for similar hygiene issues.
On 1 December 2023, the license of a food establishment located in Bukit Merah Central was suspended due to its failure to maintain proper cleanliness standards.
Specifically, the Food Shop known as Good Eat’s, situated at 164 Bukit Merah Central, had its license suspended for one day by the SFA.
The suspension resulted from the eatery accumulating 14 demerit points within a year.
In addition to the suspension, the SFA imposed a fine of $1,200 on Good Eat’s for three separate offenses.
These violations included failing to maintain the required level of cleanliness and neglecting to provide essential amenities like toilet paper and soap in the restrooms.