SFA investigates SIT food court after rat video sparks public concern

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has launched an investigation into possible food hygiene lapses at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) following the circulation of a video showing a rat at one of the food court stalls.

The video, posted on Reddit on 26 September 2025, captured a rat climbing onto a payment tablet at the cash register of a stall that appeared to be closed. The clip quickly went viral, attracting widespread concern from netizens about hygiene standards at the food court.

Online users identified the location as the economy rice stall at the Foodgle-operated food court in SIT’s Punggol campus. Some netizens recalled earlier complaints, including a Facebook post in April alleging previous rat sightings in the same area.

Food court operator confirms rat sighting and responds

In a statement issued on 30 September, Foodgle confirmed that the rat sighting occurred at the Economy Rice stall outside operating hours on the night of 25 September. The company said it was alerted immediately and carried out a full disinfection at 6.30am the following morning before resuming operations.

The operator added that pest control measures have since been intensified, with additional traps deployed and inspection frequency increased from twice a month to weekly. Foodgle also noted that no incidents of food poisoning had been reported.

According to the operator, the food court’s location — surrounded by lush greenery — presents “challenging” conditions for pest control, as wildlife intrusion remains a persistent environmental issue. Preventive pest control measures, including daily post-operation checks, were already in place prior to the incident.

Joint inspections and official investigation

On 26 September, the SFA and the National Environment Agency (NEA) conducted inspections at the SIT food court. Foodgle reported that all 13 stalls, including the Economy Rice outlet, were found to be in satisfactory condition during the checks.

In a statement issued on 29 September, SFA confirmed that it has begun an investigation into the incident. The agency emphasised that food safety is a shared responsibility between regulators and food operators and urged members of the public to report any hygiene concerns through its online feedback channels.

SFA reiterated that it “takes food hygiene matters seriously” and will take enforcement action if evidence of poor practices is found.

Broader pest control concerns across Singapore

The incident comes amid growing public concern over rodent activity islandwide. According to an NEA fact sheet published on 27 August, an average of 5,400 rat burrows per cycle were detected in the first half of 2025 — nearly double the 2,800 recorded during the same period in 2024.

The increase was attributed to urban development near green spaces and inconsistent waste management practices in some areas. NEA has stepped up vector control efforts, particularly in food establishments and public spaces, where the presence of food waste can attract rodents.

Health and legal implications

NEA has warned that rats are vectors for serious diseases such as leptospirosis and hantavirus, both of which can cause severe health complications including kidney failure and respiratory illness.

Premises owners who fail to maintain proper refuse management or allow conditions conducive to rat infestations may face prosecution under the Environmental Public Health Act (EPHA) and the Control of Vectors and Pesticides Act (CVPA).

Under the CVPA, first-time offenders can be fined up to S$20,000, jailed for up to three months, or both. For a first offence under the EPHA, offenders face a fine of up to S$1,000, with an additional penalty of up to S$100 for each day the offence continues after conviction.

Preventive measures and public responsibility

Both SFA and NEA have reiterated that maintaining food hygiene and pest control standards requires coordinated effort from food operators, cleaning contractors, and the public.

SFA has encouraged operators to conduct regular inspections, ensure refuse is properly stored and disposed of, and maintain strict hygiene standards, particularly in food preparation areas.

Consumers have also been urged to report lapses directly to authorities, with photographs or video evidence where possible, to support investigations and enforcement.

Institutional response

SIT has not issued a public statement but is understood to be cooperating fully with authorities and Foodgle to ensure compliance with hygiene and safety standards.

Foodgle stated that it is reviewing pest management protocols and will continue to collaborate with NEA-licensed pest control companies to strengthen preventive measures. The operator added that it would reinforce hygiene training for staff and increase awareness among tenants about maintaining pest-free operations.

The SFA investigation is ongoing, and enforcement action will depend on its findings.