Bakery firm iBread gets S$7,000 fine for 'massive' cockroach infestation, other hygiene lapses
(Left) Cockroach infestation within bakery chain iBread's food processing premises. (Right) Poorly maintained food transportation vehicle.
SINGAPORE — Local bakery chain iBread was fined S$7,000 on Wednesday (July 26) for multiple hygiene lapses, including a "massive" infestation of cockroaches at its food processing premises.
In a press statement, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said that its officers inspected the firm's food processing premises at 171 Kampong Ampat in MacPherson on Nov 9 last year.
The officers found a "massive infestation of live cockroaches" throughout the premises, as well as poor segregation of raw and cooked products in the same chiller.
They also found several other lapses relating to poor hygiene practices of the premises.
The vehicle used for transporting food was poorly maintained, with chipped interior wooden flooring.
Dirty clothes were also seen hanging inside the vehicle, said SFA.
The agency said that it has directed iBread to rectify the lapses and take necessary measures to improve the food safety practices and the cleanliness of its premises.
"While SFA continues to be vigilant and works to ensure regulatory measures are in place and properly enforced, the industry and consumers must also play their part," said SFA.
Those convicted of food hygiene and food safety lapses can be fined up to S$5,000 for each breach.
