S'pore restaurant involved in Changi coastal foraging controversy apologises

Havelock Palace, a Singaporean restaurant, has apologized for its involvement in preparing and cooking marine life that was foraged from an intertidal area. The restaurant confirmed on Aug. 8 that it had accepted and handled ingredients outside its approved sourcing channels, which did not meet its own standards. It acknowledged the need for tighter procedures, including improved food sourcing controls, supplier documentation, a ban on unverified food sources, and refresher training for staff.

The restaurant also expressed regret over its earlier responses that may have caused confusion. Foraging from intertidal zones can have significant consequences, as Karenne Tun, a Group Director at the NParks National Biodiversity Centre, explained. The removal of wildlife from these areas can disrupt ecosystems and harm biodiversity, especially for threatened species.

NParks restricts the collection of animals from its jurisdictional intertidal zones, and focuses on public education on responsible interaction with marine wildlife.