Beans.Factory apologises after customer finds needle-like object in taro ball at 100 AM outlet; suspends use of contaminated ingredient
The dessert chain also said it was reviewing the matter with its supplier, while the Singapore Food Agency has said it is looking into the incident.
SINGAPORE — A couple were having dessert at Beans.Factory's 100 AM mall outlet on 26 March, when one of them discovered a sharp needle-like object embedded in a taro ball he had just put into his mouth.
Facebook user Jenn Chan shared her and her husband’s experience on the Complaint Singapore Facebook page on 27 March, writing, “The dessert was good until my hubby found a sharp needle in one of the mini taro balls.”
Her close-up shot showed a pointy needle-like object going through the mini taro ball. While her post did not directly mention the outlet, only the name of the mall, one of the photos included included part of Beans.Factory's signage.
“Luckily he didn’t swallow it, or we would have been in big trouble,” she wrote
She said that the staff at the oulet did offer them another bowl, but they asked for takeout instead as they were “too freaked out”.
Beans.Factory reviewing matter with supplier, SFA aware of incident
On Thursday (28 March), Beans.Factory posted an apology about the incident on their Facebook page and shared that they have taken “immediate action”.
They said that they have suspended the use of the contaminated ingredient in their stores and are reviewing the matter with their supplier.
“In addition, we will enhance our quality control protocols and implement supplementary procedures in our food preparation processes,” said the dessert brand, adding, “Ensuring a safe dining experience for our customers is paramount to us.”
Beans.Factory also shared that they had attempted to contact the Facebook user.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) confirmed with Yahoo Southeast Asia that it is aware of the incident and is looking into the matter. The agency added that it would not hesitate to take enforcement action if there is sufficient evidence.
“SFA takes a serious view towards food safety and will investigate all feedback alleging poor food safety practices,” the agency said, adding that food operators should adhere to good food hygiene and preparation practices, as well as ensure that their premises are clean and well maintained.
Beans.Factory first started in Malaysia in 2021, and currently has 18 outlets there. It opened its first outlet in Singapore at Tanjong Pagar's 100 AM mall in 2023, and current has two outlets in Singapore.
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