SFA Shuts Down 6 Coffee Shops for Hygiene Offences

Six coffee shops in Toa Payoh, Balestier, Punggol, Geylang, and Little India were issued a one-day suspension on February 21 due to hygiene lapses related to toilet cleanliness. The affected establishments—Al Mubin Restaurant, 27A Coffee Shop, 7 Stars, Teck Wah, Teck Seng, and 1002 Food Court—had accumulated 12 demerit points within a 12-month period, triggering their suspension under Singapore Food Agency (SFA) regulations.

Al Mubin Restaurant and Teck Seng were fined $1,100 for three violations, including failing to maintain sanitary fittings and keep toilets in good condition. 27A Coffee Shop, 7 Stars, and Teck Wah were each fined $1,300 for similar offences, while 1002 Food Court was fined $1,200 for failing to provide toilet paper and soap, among other lapses.

SFA enforces a demerit point system, where food establishments accumulating 12 or more points within a year may face suspensions ranging from one to three days. The agency emphasized the importance of hygiene compliance, stating that licensed food businesses must maintain clean and functional facilities, including toilets. Strict penalties under the Environmental Public Health Act mean first-time offenders can be fined between $1,000 and $5,000, in addition to accruing demerit points that could lead to suspensions.

Between January 1 and November 15, 2024, approximately 900 enforcement actions were taken against coffee shop operators for toilet-related violations. Common offences included failing to maintain proper sanitary fittings, not keeping toilets clean, and not providing basic hygiene necessities like hand soap and toilet paper. During this period, 10 coffee shops were suspended under the demerit point system for similar hygiene breaches.

SFA encourages the public to report poor hygiene practices through its online feedback system or contact centre. The agency also called for greater public responsibility in maintaining restroom cleanliness, reminding toilet users to flush properly, keep floors dry, and dispose of waste appropriately.

SFA reiterated that proper toilet maintenance requires a collective effort from food operators, regulatory agencies, and the public to ensure high hygiene standards across all food establishments.

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