1. How often are the food stalls at Golden Mile Food Centre inspected for cleanliness and safety?
There is no specific frequency for inspections of the food stalls at Golden Mile Food Centre. However, food stalls are typically inspected at least once a year, and more frequently if there are prior violations or complaints.2. Who conducts these inspections?
The inspections of food stalls at Golden Mile Food Centre are conducted by officers from the National Environment Agency (NEA), under the supervision of the Ministry of Health.
3. What do these inspections entail?
These inspections cover a range of areas such as cleanliness, food handling and storage practices, personal hygiene of stallholders, pest control measures, and compliance with regulations on food labelling and allergen information.
4. What happens if a food stall fails an inspection?
If a food stall fails to comply with hygiene standards during an inspection, they will be given a notice to rectify any deficiencies within a stipulated timeframe. Failure to do so may result in enforcement actions such as fines or closure of the stall.
5. Are there consequences for repeated failures?
Yes, repeated failures to comply with hygiene standards may result in increased fines or ultimately suspension or revocation of the food stall’s operating license. The NEA takes a serious stance on ensuring that all food stalls maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety to protect public health.
6. How can I report a concern about a particular food stall at Golden Mile Food Centre?
If you have concerns about any specific food stall at Golden Mile Food Centre, you can report them directly to the NEA through their online feedback form or hotline (+65 1800-CALL-NEA).
2. Is the food cooked fresh or pre-prepared at Golden Mile Food Centre?
It can vary depending on the stalls, but most food at Golden Mile Food Centre is cooked fresh upon order. Some stalls may have pre-prepared items for faster service, but the ingredients are typically cooked or assembled when ordered by the customer.
3. Are there any measures in place to prevent cross-contamination between different food stalls at Golden Mile Food Centre?
Yes, there are several measures in place to prevent cross-contamination between food stalls at Golden Mile Food Centre:
1. Regular Cleaning and Sanitization: The food centre undergoes routine cleaning and sanitization to maintain proper hygiene standards. This includes regular disinfection of common areas, dining tables, and food stalls.
2. Proper Food Storage: All food stalls are required to store their ingredients and cooked food properly to prevent cross-contamination. This includes storing raw meat separately from cooked food, using separate cutting boards for different types of food, and keeping the kitchen area clean.
3. Hand Washing Facilities: There are hand-washing stations located throughout the food centre for both customers and stall owners to use. It is mandatory for all stall owners to wash their hands before handling food.
4. Mandatory Food Handlers’ Course: All stall owners and staff are required to attend a Basic Food Hygiene Course before they can operate at the food centre. This course teaches proper hygiene practices and how to prevent cross-contamination in a food establishment.
5. Regular Inspections: The National Environment Agency (NEA) conducts regular inspections of all food stalls at the Golden Mile Food Centre to ensure that they adhere to proper hygiene practices and regulations.
6. Cross-Contamination Awareness: Stall owners are educated on the importance of preventing cross-contamination through training programs and regular reminders from NEA.
7. Separation of Raw and Cooked Food Areas: In some cases, there may be a physical barrier between areas where raw and cooked food are handled, such as separate cooking stations or designated areas for unloading fresh produce.
Overall, these measures help to minimize the risk of cross-contamination between different food stalls at Golden Mile Food Centre, ensuring that customers can enjoy safe and hygienic meals while dining there.
4. What precautions do the food handlers at Golden Mile Food Centre take to ensure safe handling of raw meat and seafood?
1. Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE): All food handlers are required to wear PPE such as gloves, hair nets, and aprons while handling raw meat and seafood.
2. Proper handwashing: Food handlers must wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat and seafood.
3. Separate storage: Raw meat and seafood are stored in separate designated areas in the fridge or freezer to avoid cross-contamination with other foods.
4. Temperature control: All raw meats and seafood must be stored at the correct temperature to prevent bacterial growth. Meats should be stored at or below 41°F (5°C) and seafood should be stored at or below 32°F (0°C).
5. Clean surfaces: Food handlers must thoroughly clean and sanitize all surfaces, utensils, and equipment that come in contact with raw meat and seafood to prevent cross-contamination.
6. Thawing safely: Frozen raw meat or seafood should be thawed in the refrigerator or under cold running water to prevent bacteria from growing.
7. Proper cooking: All meats and seafood must be cooked to the correct internal temperature to kill any harmful bacteria. A food thermometer should be used to ensure proper cooking.
8. Regular sanitation: The kitchen and food preparation areas are regularly cleaned and sanitized to maintain a safe environment for handling raw meats and seafood.
9. Health checks: Food handlers are required to undergo regular health checks to ensure that they are free from any communicable diseases that could contaminate food.
10. Safe disposal of waste: Any packaging materials or scraps from raw meat or seafood are disposed of properly in designated waste bins, away from other food items.
5. Are there designated areas for hand washing and dishwashing at Golden Mile Food Centre?
Yes, there are designated areas for hand washing and dishwashing at Golden Mile Food Centre. Most food stalls have a small sink for hand washing, and there are also public washrooms located throughout the food centre for customers to use. Some stalls may also have a separate basin or sink for dishwashing purposes.
6. How does Golden Mile Food Centre ensure that its vendors are following proper hygiene practices?
Golden Mile Food Centre ensures that its vendors are following proper hygiene practices through the following measures:
1. Regular Inspections – The food centre conducts regular inspections to ensure that all vendors are maintaining cleanliness and proper hygiene in their stalls.
2. Training Sessions – The food centre organizes training sessions for the vendors to educate them about good hygiene practices and best food handling techniques.
3. Enforcing Regulations – Golden Mile Food Centre has strict regulations in place that require all vendors to adhere to certain hygiene standards and guidelines set by the National Environment Agency (NEA).
4. Issuing Warnings and Fines – In case of any violation or non-compliance with hygiene standards, the food centre issues warnings to the vendor and may also impose fines if necessary.
5. Providing Amenities – The food centre provides amenities such as hand-washing facilities, waste disposal bins, and pest control services to help vendors maintain cleanliness in their stalls.
6. Placing Signage – There are signages placed around the food centre reminding customers and vendors about the importance of good hygiene practices.
7. Educating Customers – The food centre also takes an active role in educating customers about proper dining etiquette and encourages them to choose clean and hygienic stalls for their meals.
Overall, Golden Mile Food Centre takes a proactive approach towards ensuring that its vendors maintain high levels of hygiene to provide safe and healthy food options for their customers.
7. Are there any guidelines or regulations in place for storing and handling of potentially hazardous foods at Golden Mile Food Centre?
Yes, there are guidelines and regulations in place for storing and handling of potentially hazardous foods at Golden Mile Food Centre. These guidelines include:1. Proper refrigeration: All perishable foods such as meat, dairy products, and seafood must be stored in a refrigerator or freezer to maintain their freshness and prevent bacteria growth.
2. Regular temperature checks: The food centre must regularly check the temperature of refrigerators and freezers to ensure that they are working properly and keeping food at safe temperatures.
3. Separation of raw and cooked foods: Raw meats, poultry, seafood, and vegetables should be stored separately from cooked or ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination.
4. Proper labeling: All food products must be labeled with the date of preparation or expiry to ensure that they are used within a safe time frame.
5. Hygienic storage practices: Food handlers must use clean containers, utensils, and equipment when storing and handling food to prevent contamination.
6. Regular cleaning and maintenance: The food centre must have regular cleaning schedules in place for all storage areas to prevent the buildup of dirt, grime, or mold.
7. Personal hygiene practices: Food handlers must practice good personal hygiene by washing their hands regularly, wearing clean aprons or uniforms, and covering any cuts or abrasions on their hands to avoid contaminating food.
All these guidelines are in line with the National Environment Agency’s (NEA) Food Hygiene Regulations which set out specific requirements for the storage and handling of potentially hazardous foods in Singapore’s food establishments. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties such as fines or suspension of operating licenses by NEA inspectors.
8. Has there been any history of foodborne illnesses reported from eating at Golden Mile Food Centre?
There is limited information available online regarding any reported cases of foodborne illnesses from Golden Mile Food Centre. However, in May 2017, a stall selling Indian rojak at the food centre was temporarily suspended by the National Environment Agency (NEA) due to hygiene lapses such as improper storage of food, inadequate pest control and unclean premises. It is not clear if anyone became ill from consuming food from this stall.
Furthermore, in March 2020, NEA also issued a suspension order to a chicken rice stall at Golden Mile Food Centre for failing to maintain proper hygiene standards and preparing food in an unhygienic manner. Again, there is no information available on whether any customers experienced foodborne illness from eating at this stall.
Overall, while there have been instances of hygiene lapses and temporary suspensions of stalls at Golden Mile Food Centre, there are no documented reports of foodborne illnesses associated with the food centre.
9. Are there vegetarian or halal options available at Golden Mile Food Centre?
Yes, there are vegetarian and halal options available at Golden Mile Food Centre. Some stalls that offer vegetarian or halal dishes include Rolina Traditional Hainanese Curry Puffs, Joon’s Curry & Ah Boon Signature Fish Soup, Nasi Padang Cuisine, and Herbivore Vegetarian Restaurant. You can also look out for the halal certification displayed at the stalls.
10. Can I find information about allergies on the menus or displayed around the food stalls at Golden Mile Food Centre?
It is recommended to check with each individual food stall regarding any allergens in their dishes, as the information may not be readily available on the menus or displayed around the food stalls. It is important to communicate any allergies or dietary restrictions to the food vendors before ordering.
11. What is the average rating of cleanliness and hygiene for the food stalls at Golden Mile Food Centre based on recent inspections?
According to the latest inspection by the National Environment Agency in September 2021, Golden Mile Food Centre has an average rating of “A” for cleanliness and hygiene.
12. Are there proper waste management systems in place at Golden Mile Food Centre to ensure a clean environment?
Yes, there are proper waste management systems in place at Golden Mile Food Centre to maintain a clean environment. The food centre has designated trash bins for different types of waste such as general waste, recyclable materials, and food waste. There are also cleaners on duty who regularly empty the bins and clean up any litter around the area.
In addition, the food centre has implemented a tray return system where customers are encouraged to return their trays and utensils after eating to reduce the amount of waste generated. This helps to keep the premises clean and organized.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) also conducts regular inspections and enforces strict penalties for any littering or improper disposal of waste at the food centre. This helps to ensure that both stall owners and customers abide by proper waste management practices.
Overall, these measures help to create a cleaner and healthier environment for all who visit Golden Mile Food Centre.
13. How often do vendors replace their cooking oils to maintain food quality and safety standards at Golden Mile Food Centre?
It is not specified how often vendors at Golden Mile Food Centre replace their cooking oils. However, it is generally recommended for restaurants and food establishments to change their cooking oil every 1-2 weeks to maintain quality and safety standards.
14. Are there any efforts made by Golden Mile Food Centre to reduce its environmental impact, such as using sustainable packaging materials or promoting recycling?
Yes, Golden Mile Food Centre has made efforts to reduce its environmental impact. They have implemented a policy to encourage food stalls to use environmentally-friendly and sustainable packaging materials, such as biodegradable containers and paper bags. They also advocate for stall owners and patrons to reduce waste by bringing their own reusable containers or bags.
Furthermore, the food centre has set up recycling bins in strategic locations throughout the premises to promote recycling. They also work closely with the National Environment Agency (NEA) to implement proper waste management practices and ensure that food waste is disposed of in a responsible manner.
Additionally, Golden Mile Food Centre regularly organizes campaigns and events to raise awareness about the importance of reducing food waste and promoting sustainability. These efforts not only benefit the environment but also create a more pleasant dining experience for visitors at the food centre.
15. Does the food centre have a first aid kit readily available in case of emergencies?
The availability of a first aid kit varies depending on the specific food centre. Some food centres may have one readily available for emergencies, while others may not. It is recommended to check with the staff or management at the food centre to inquire about the availability of a first aid kit and its location. Alternatively, it is always advisable to carry a personal first aid kit when dining out in case of any emergencies.
16 .Are there designated smoking areas within the vicinity of Golden Mile Food Centre?
There are no designated smoking areas within the premises of Golden Mile Food Centre. Smoking is prohibited in all public areas of the food centre, including within individual stalls and around its vicinity. Offenders may face fines or penalties as stated by the National Environment Agency (NEA).
17 .Do all vendors display their business licenses and certificates prominently?
No, not all vendors display their business licenses and certificates prominently. Some may choose to only show them upon request from a customer or during a government inspection. Others may not have all their licenses and certificates readily available for display. It is best to ask the vendor directly if you are unsure about their legal compliance.
18 .What measures does the food centre have in place to prevent pests from entering and contaminating the food stalls?
1. Regular inspection: The food centre has a schedule in place for regular inspections by pest control professionals to check for any signs of pest infestation.
2. Install pest-proof barriers: Any openings or cracks that could potentially serve as entry points for pests are sealed off with pest-proof barriers such as wire mesh screens and silicone sealants.
3. Proper waste management: The food centre has strict guidelines for waste disposal, including proper segregation of organic and non-organic waste, to prevent attracting pests.
4. Cleanliness and hygiene: Stall owners are required to maintain a clean and hygienic environment in their stalls. They are also required to properly store food items to prevent any spillage or crumbs that could attract pests.
5. Pest control measures: The food centre has a comprehensive pest control program in place, which includes baiting, trapping, and the use of pesticides according to approved safety guidelines.
6. Education and training: Stall owners and their staff undergo regular education and training on proper sanitation practices, identifying signs of pest infestation, and reporting it immediately.
7. Use of natural deterrents: The food centre also uses natural deterrents such as peppermint oil or vinegar sprays to keep pests away without using harmful chemicals.
8. Proper drainage system: A proper drainage system is installed at the food centre to prevent water accumulation which can attract pests like mosquitoes or flies.
9. Regular cleaning schedule: The food centre is cleaned regularly to remove any spilled food or debris that can attract pests.
10. Inspection of incoming goods: All incoming goods are thoroughly inspected before being allowed into the food centre to ensure they are free from pests.