Singapore authorities investigate Woodlands coffeeshop after staff caught spreading butter on bread with bare fingers

A staff member of a coffeeshop at Woodlands MRT was spotted preparing stacks of bread without using gloves on September 28, 2026.— Picture via Facebook/Complaint Singapore

First Published: Saturday, 03 Oct 2026 11:53 AM MYT

SINGAPORE, Oct 3 — A food handler was spotted preparing bread using their bare hands at Tuantuan Puanpuan coffeeshop located at Woodlands MRT station.

A post was shared on the Complaint Singapore Facebook page on September 28, where a netizen wrote: “Food handler working completely bare-handed.

“Worse of all, using bare fingers to scoop and spread butter directly on the bread! Yucks! Very hands-on service indeed... giving this stall a Michelin star for ‘artisanal’ technique!”

A video in the post shows the staff member holding white bread with their left hand without gloves, while scooping what looks to be jam using a spoon on their right hand to spread to the bread.

Placing the spoon down, they use their right index finger to dig into butter and wiggle their finger directly onto the bread to spread it.

They then fold the bread in half, placing it in the plastic bag while pressing it down with their palms, repeating the same action a few more times.

Netizens were disgusted by the action, with some of them suggesting the netizen lodge a complaint with the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).

One of them wrote: “I won’t spread (butter on) the bread using my own fingers, let alone doing it for other people to eat.”

“I expect everyone to maintain the same hygiene standards, especially when we remind others about cleanliness,” another netizen commented.

In response to AsiaOne’s queries, SFA said they are looking into the matter and will not hesitate to take enforcement action if sufficient evidence has been obtained.

As part of the enquiry and gathering of evidence, they may engage the feedback provider for more details.

“Food safety is a joint responsibility. While SFA puts in place and enforces the regulatory measures, food operators must play their part by adhering to good food hygiene and preparation practices. Food operators should also ensure their premises are clean and well-maintained,” they added.

Members of the public who have concerns about food safety practices by food operators should report to SFA via the online feedback form at www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback. — AsiaOne