'I got high tide': Food court employee caught urinating in kitchen sink

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) is investigating an incident in which a Cantine food court employee was caught urinating in the kitchen sink at his stall at Causeway Point.

The stall will remain closed until investigations are complete and disciplinary action will be taken against the employee, said a spokesman for Cantine by Kopitiam.

Stomp contributor Hisham witnessed the employee in the act at the eatery's chicken rice stall on Tuesday evening (Nov 1), at around 7.45pm.

He took a video of him confronting the employee and shared it with Stomp.

Hisham recounted: "My wife and I had intended to eat chicken rice at Causeway Point's Cantine on Level 7.

"While waiting for the staff to come out from the kitchen to take my order, I saw a man peeing in the wash basin in the kitchen. The basin was full of unwashed utensils and Tupperware.

"After settling his business, he came out without washing his hands and asked us what we wanted to order.

"I confronted him and said, 'Uncle, you just urinated in the sink and didn't even wash your hands, yet ask me what I want to order?'

"He then went to wash his hands before coming back out to serve us but I went to look for the Cantine manager."

Hisham also reported the incident to the police and SFA.

In the video that Hisham sent to Stomp, the employee does not deny his actions and tries to explain his urgent business.

Employee: Tell me what you want.

Stomp contributor: Ok now I ask you, why do you do that inside the stall? Why do you pee inside the basin?

Employee: 'Cause I very high tide, I cannot stand already.

Stomp contributor: High tide, toilet behind only mah.

Employee: I cannot stand already, want to flow out already.

Stomp contributor: Ya but toilet behind only mah. Never mind, I record. So toilet behind only what, why you need to pee inside the basin? Inside the kitchen?

Employee: You have no right what.

Stomp contributor: I have no right? I have no right?

Employee's colleague: Hygiene leh.

Stomp contributor: Uncle, you got take your hygiene course or not? When you work now, you got hygiene course or not? You need to have a hygiene course in order to work in F&B. Ok? Do you have it?

Employee: Of course.

Stomp contributor: Of course. Then is it peeing inside a basin?

Employee: I got high tide, I cannot tell you... You want me to let go everything?

The employee's colleague, a woman, can then be heard trying to explain to him why his behaviour was unacceptable and asking, "Do you understand or not?"

However, the employee appears to be unreceptive and walks off, ending the conversation with Hisham.

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In response to a Stomp query, SFA said it is investigating the matter.

A spokesman added: "As part of SFA's licensing requirements, food establishments are required to adhere to good food safety and hygiene practices. It is also mandatory for food handlers to attend the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1 to be trained on proper food safety and hygiene 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.

"Members of the public who come across any potentially errant food operator should report to SFA via the online feedback form. As part of the enquiry and gathering of evidence, SFA may engage the feedback provider for more details."

The spokesman also said that SFA will not hesitate to take enforcement action against errant food handlers if sufficient evidence is obtained.

A spokesman for Cantine by Kopitiam told Stomp on Friday (Nov 4): "We thank the customer for bringing this matter to our attention and for alerting the outlet manager when the incident occurred for immediate corrective actions to be taken.

"We take a very serious stance on hygiene and food safety protocols and expect our stall holders to uphold the same standards."

Cantine has since contacted the stall holder in the video and is working with the authorities to conduct a "thorough investigation," said the spokesman.

He added: "The stall will be temporarily closed and will only resume operations after the investigation has been completed. During this time, the stall will undergo thorough deep cleaning before they reopen for business.

"The stall holder has also replaced and redeployed the staff. He will face disciplinary action and also be sent for re-training to ensure that such offences are not committed again.

"We will not hesitate to terminate any infringing stall holders for any repeated food safety violations."

This article was first published in Stomp. Permission required for reproduction.