Caterer Sakura Buffet gets licence cancelled over food safety; consumers warned against 12 linked businesses
SFA conducted inspections at Sakura Buffet’s premises at Geylang Bahru from March to May, uncovering several food safety lapses.
“These include failure to keep its premises clean and false labelling the time-stamping of packed food,” said SFA.
The food safety management system required of catering businesses was also poorly implemented at the premises, it added.
SFA said that it had taken enforcement action against Sakura Buffet on 4 separate occasions – between November 2023 and April 2024 – for various food safety and hygiene lapses.
“In spite of this, the company was recalcitrant and failed to improve.”
To “protect consumers against any further food safety violations”, SFA cancelled Sakura Buffet’s licence on Friday. It will no longer be allowed to operate at their licensed premises.
Further investigations into the cases reported to SFA are ongoing.
SFA also advised customers not to place orders with the dozen businesses linked to Sakura Buffet as a safety precaution.
“Affected customers may pursue the matter directly with the businesses or lodge a complaint with CASE or Small Claims Tribunals.
“Consumers are also advised to check that the food caterer has a valid SFA license before placing any orders.”
Between May 8 and May 10, the Consumer Association of Singapore (CASE) received 22 consumer complaints linked to Sakura Buffet and its web-based businesses.
“Consumers reported that these businesses failed to honour the delivery of its meals, and the businesses did not provide clarity on when they would honour their contractual obligations,” said Mr Melvin Yong, CASE president.
“CASE is of the view that consumers should be entitled to a full refund of the unutilised balance of their contracted orders.
“The onus is on the company to comply with food safety and licensing requirements. It is also unclear when the business will be able to rectify its food safety issues and be allowed to operate again.”
