While many Singaporeans love dining out—something we can’t do now—there’s always a danger of eating something which could potentially upset your stomach.
The problem with eating outside is that you have no idea what stalls are putting into their food, and whether they’re practising good hygiene.
Sometimes, the ingredients they use are complete harmless and incredibly tasty, but other times, you can find pig’s blood in your meal.
And I don’t know about you, but I don’t want that in my food.
Thai Restaurant at Golden Mile Tower Under Investigation for Illegally Selling Pig Blood Curd
And that seems to be what happened to some diners at a Thai restaurant in Golden Mile Tower recently.
After reporting this information to the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), the agency conducted an operation at the restaurant and found that they were indeed selling a dish containing pig’s blood.
What’s more, the authorities also found unsold pre-packed pig blood curd, which was seized.
SFA did not name the establishment in its press release.
Animal Blood Food Products Banned in Singapore
Animal blood food products, such as pig’s or duck’s blood, are banned in Singapore because animal blood can easily support the growth of bacteria and harbour diseases, SFA said.
“Unhygienic harvesting of blood can also result in the introduction of food borne pathogens into blood food products,” the agency added.
“Illegally imported food products are of unknown sources and can pose a food
safety risk. In Singapore, food imports must meet SFA’s requirements. Food can only
be imported by licensed importers, and every consignment must be declared and
accompanied with a valid import permit.”
Illegal Importers Face Up to 2 Years in Prison
Those convicted of illegally importing and selling pig’s blood products can be fined up to S$50,000 and imprisoned for up to two years for their first offence.
A second or subsequent conviction carries a penalty of a S$100,000 fine and three years’ imprisonment.
“Members of the public who come across the sale of illegal food products in food
establishments are advised not to patronise such outlets,” SFA said.
The agency urged the public to report such findings to SFA through its online feedback form or call their Contact Centre at 6805 2871.
Hotpot Restaurant Fined S$8,000 in 2018 For Selling Duck’s Blood
Three years ago, a Chinese hotpot restaurant was caught by the authorities selling duck’s blood as a dish.
The product had been imported illegally from China, according to CNA.
The owner was charged for for the possession of illegally imported duck’s blood and meat products, and the restaurant was fined S$8,000.
Feature Image: Facebook (Singapore Food Agency (SFA))
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