Hai Di Lao’s Clarke Quay outlet gets 2 weeks' suspension for hygiene lapses

SINGAPORE  —  Popular spicy hot pot chain Hai Di Lao's flagship branch at Clarke Quay has had its licence suspended for two weeks for hygiene lapses, according to a suspension notice issued by the National Environment Agency (NEA) on Monday (Feb 12).

With Chinese New Year around the corner, the suspension from Feb 10 to Feb 23 will likely disrupt the festive plans of thousands of diners who have made reservations at the restaurant.

According to the NEA notice, Hai Di Lao's branch at 3D, River Valley Road sold food that was not only unclean, but was handled with bare hands. This resulted in 12 demerit points for the restaurant — six points for each offence — and a fine of S$800.

A restaurant licensee who accumulates 12 or more demerit points during a 12-month period may have his or her licence revoked, or suspended for a period of either two or four weeks, said the NEA.


All food handlers working in the suspended restaurant would also need to attend and pass the Basic Food Hygiene Course again before they can resume work.

A "renovation notice" was posted at Hai Di Lao's Clarke Quay outlet notifying customers that it would be "closed for 50 days for renovation" from Feb 10  — the day the suspension started  — and advising them to visit the restaurant's other outlets.

TODAY has reached out to Hai Di Lao for comments.