Rat incident at Tangs Market Food Court sparks concerns and SFA investigation

SINGAPORE – On Monday (Nov 27), a video emerged on the internet, showing a rat lying down on a tray at the Tangs Market food court located in the basement of Tang Plaza on Orchard Road.

The footage which was posted on the “Singapore Laughs” Facebook page, has quickly gained traction online, raising concerns about hygiene and safety at the dining spot.

Rat lying on a tray in Tangs Market Food Court

In the 55-second video, diners can be seen pointing out the rodent to each other, displaying shock on their faces.

A watermark indicates that the video was sourced from Xiaohongshu, though the original user seems to have deleted it from their page. The clip shows a big rat lying on a tray with seemingly untouched food in the middle of a food court.

While the exact time and date remain unspecified in the post, the footage indicates that customers were initially oblivious to the rodent’s presence.

However, as awareness spread, shock and disgust were palpable among some patrons.

The rodent, initially motionless, began twitching and moving its paws intermittently, prompting speculation about its condition. Whether the rat was injured or simply enjoying an afternoon repose remains unclear.

Despite the unsettling scene, customers carried on with their meals, and others continued to navigate the food court without paying much attention to the unexpected visitor.

According to Channel NewsAsia (CNA), in response to their inquiries, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has confirmed the launch of an investigation into the incident.

The agency emphasized the joint responsibility of ensuring food safety, with SFA enforcing regulatory measures and food operators expected to adhere to stringent hygiene and preparation practices.

“Food safety is a joint responsibility. While SFA puts in place and enforces the regulatory measures, food operators must play their part by adhering to good food hygiene and preparation practices,” SFA said.

The agency underscored its commitment to taking enforcement actions against any food operators found in violation of established standards.