Korean Delights, a food stall in the North Spine Koufu food court at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), has been temporarily suspended for two weeks from 10 to 23 September 2024, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) announced. The suspension under the Points Demerit System was due to the licensee accumulating 12 demerit points over a 12-month period. Korean Delights was fined a total of S$800 for two offences: selling food containing foreign matter and failing to keep the premises free of infestation, each incurring six demerit points.
Background
The Points Demerit System is a regulatory measure by the SFA to ensure food safety and hygiene standards are maintained. Accumulating 12 or more demerit points within a year can lead to a suspension of two to four weeks or even licence cancellation. This system aims to deter food establishments from neglecting hygiene practices.
Risk of licence cancellation
SFA stated that based on track records, any licensee who accumulates 12 or more demerit points within a 12-month period risks having their licence suspended or cancelled. This measure is part of SFA’s stringent approach to maintaining food safety standards across Singapore.
Rehabilitative action
All food handlers at Korean Delights will be required to re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 1 before resuming work. Additionally, any food hygiene officers at the premises must re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 3. SFA emphasised the importance of good food and personal hygiene practices and warned that it would take firm action against any violations of the Environmental Public Health Act.
Public advisory
To maintain high food hygiene standards, SFA advises the public to avoid patronising establishments with poor hygiene practices. Members of the public are encouraged to report such practices via the online feedback form or by calling the SFA Contact Centre at 68052871 for follow-up investigations.
Related events
This suspension is part of a broader effort by SFA to ensure food safety across all eating establishments in Singapore. Previous incidents have seen similar actions taken against other food stalls within NTU and across the island, highlighting the agency’s commitment to public health. Future implications may include stricter monitoring and more frequent inspections to prevent such occurrences.
