The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has launched an investigation after a rat was spotted at an economy rice stall in the Singapore Institute of Technology’s (SIT) Punggol campus food court.
A video posted on Reddit showed the rodent crawling on a tablet at the cashier counter of the closed stall.
The incident occurred on 25 Sep 2025 outside operating hours at the Economy Rice stall in Foodgle Hub, located at SIT Campus.
Foodgle, the food court operator, was alerted to the issue that evening.
Immediate Response and Disinfection
The stall underwent disinfection at 6:30am on 26 Sep 2025 before operations resumed, reported The Straits Times.
Foodgle stated that immediate action was taken and apologised for the incident, emphasising that food safety and hygiene remain their top priority.
No food had been left out at the time of the rat sighting, according to a male assistant from the economy rice stall who spoke to Shin Min Daily News.
The stall appeared to be closed when the video was recorded.
Environmental Factors and Recurring Sightings
The food court building sits surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife, according to Foodgle.
The SIT Campus Court faces Coney Island waterfront, and the surrounding greenery may have attracted the rodents.
Multiple vendors at the food court confirmed that rats have been sighted on previous occasions.
The anonymous stall assistant explained that rats have been seen crawling along overhead pipes during daytime, with the situation worsening at night when the rodents enter stalls directly searching for food.
The large number of overhead pipes above the stall, combined with the campus’s recent opening and surrounding greenery, might have attracted the rats. Traces of rats have occasionally been spotted in other stalls at the food court.
Enhanced Pest Control Measures
Foodgle announced that measures, including increased pest control frequency, additional traps, and stepped-up internal inspections, will be implemented.
The company stated it has implemented strict preventive pest control measures since day one to counter challenging environmental factors.
SFA Statement and Investigation
In a statement released on 29 Sep 2025, SFA confirmed the case is currently under investigation.
The agency emphasised that food safety is a joint responsibility, with food operators required to adhere to good food hygiene and preparation practices.
SFA added that food operators should ensure their premises are clean and well-maintained. The agency takes a serious view of food safety and will investigate all feedback alleging poor food safety practices.
As part of the enquiry and evidence gathering, SFA may engage the feedback provider for more details and will not hesitate to take enforcement action if sufficient evidence has been obtained.
Members of the public with concerns about food safety practices can report them via SFA’s online feedback form.
About the Food Court
The food court operates Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 7:30pm and Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 8:30am to 7:30pm.
The facility opened as part of the first phase of SIT’s new Punggol campus, which welcomed 3,800 students in 2024.
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