A worker filmed using a broom to clean display shelves at a BreadTalk outlet in Singapore has been dismissed after footage of the incident was shared on social media.
“We sincerely apologise and are taking this matter very seriously,” a BreadTalk spokeswoman told The Straits Times.
“The actions observed are unacceptable and do not reflect BreadTalk’s strict food safety and hygiene procedures.”
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A BreadTalk outlet. Photo from the company’s website |
The individual was hired by an external cleaning firm and their services have been terminated, BreadTalk said.
The bakery chain said its standard procedures stipulate that display shelves must be cleaned solely with designated food-safe cloths and approved cleaning solutions.
In a separate statement on the incident, the company said it had promptly carried out a deep clean and comprehensive disinfection of the affected outlet, discarding any item on display at the time, according to Mothership.
Footage of the incident, which occurred on Monday at the chain’s Eastpoint Mall outlet, was posted in a Facebook group, garnering more than 200,000 views overnight and sparking outrage before the comments section was eventually closed, as reported by AsiaOne.
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A worker seen cleaning BreadTalk display shelves with a broom. Screenshot taken from a video on Complaint Singapore Facebook group |
The person who uploaded the video described the act as “super unhygienic and disgusting” and questioned whether the same method was being used at other outlets around Singapore.
Numerous commenters raised similar food safety concerns, with several saying the practice was inappropriate even if the broom was clean.
The uploader said the matter had been reported to the Singapore Food Agency, which later confirmed that it is looking into the case.
Established in Singapore in 2000, BreadTalk is best known for its signature Floss buns, along with a range of artisan breads and pastries. It has since grown to more than 400 outlets across 15 markets worldwide, according to its website.
