NTUC Foodfare charged over improperly covered raw marinated chicken, preparing unsafe food

SINGAPORE: NTUC Foodfare Co-operative, which caters food for uniformed groups, childcare centres and cook houses, has been charged over alleged lapses in food safety.

The company, which describes itself on LinkedIn as "social in purpose but commercial in approach", had a further mention of its case in court on Wednesday (Aug 7).

It faces three charges for contravening regulations of the sale of food in non-retail food businesses.

According to the charge sheets, the company failed to ensure that food at its 10 Senoko Way premises was stored on Jul 25, 2023 in a way to prevent contamination.

Raw marinated chicken was not properly covered, and was placed directly below the air-conditioner that had condensation forming in the meat chiller room, the charge sheet stated.

On the same day, unsafe food was allegedly prepared at the Senoko premises - "ready-to-eat baked fish with teriyaki sauce" was detected to have a Bacillus cereus count that is considered unsafe.

Bacillus cereus is a microscopic bacterium that can cause food poisoning or stomach upsets.

NTUC Foodfare is also accused of failing to ensure that its licensed food establishment was properly maintained and kept clean.

Crevices and cracked tiles were found on the floor in the kitchen cooking area, and stains were found on the blades of the food mixer.

Lawyers for the food provider said they needed time to write to the prosecution for further information on two of the charges, which were just amended.

A further mention of the case was fixed in September.

If convicted, the company could be fined up to S$5,000 per charge. If the offence continues, it faces a further fine of up to S$100 per day that the issue is not rectified.