SINGAPORE — A central kitchen that manufactures cooked meals was fined S$6,000 on Thursday (Dec 26), after it was convicted of two charges of failure to ensure that its premises was properly maintained and kept clean.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said in a media release that during routine inspections of the premises of Obayed Holdings — located within Food Xchange @ Admiralty — on Sept 5 and Nov 15, SFA officers found hygiene lapses which included “widespread cockroach infestation” and structural damages such as cracked floor tiles in the cooking room. There was also poor housekeeping, “resulting in the presence of houseflies and ants in the cutting room”.

SFA reiterated that food safety is a “joint responsibility as food can be contaminated anywhere along the food chain”.

"While SFA continues to be vigilant and works to ensure that regulatory measures are in place and properly enforced, the industry and consumers must also play their part,” said the agency.

SFA stressed that all food operators should ensure that their premises are clean and well-maintained, and staff members are adequately trained in proper food safety management.

If convicted, operators who fail to adhere to regulations or comply with food hygiene and safety requirements could be fined up to S$5,000.

They face a further fine of up to S$100 for every day during which an offence continues after conviction.