From Changi shore to restaurant plate: Singapore eatery apologises for cooking foraged marine life

In August 10, a Singapore restaurant, Havelock Palace, issued an apology after it was discovered that marine life collected from Changi's intertidal shore was served and cooked in their establishment. This incident sparked public outrage, criticism from an MP and warnings regarding the impact of removing wildlife from coastal habitats. The restaurant admitted to the use of ingredients sourced from unauthorized channels, acknowledging that it violated their established standards.

Public outrage ensued following footage shared on social media, allegedly showing individuals collecting marine life from an intertidal area at Changi before it was incorporated into a restaurant kitchen. Screenshots and videos posted in the Complaint Singapore Facebook group on July 13 revealed a group carrying pails while foraging along the shore. The collected wildlife was later spotted on a table in a restaurant kitchen, including molluscs and crabs. Images subsequently showed plates of cooked food.

Pasir Ris-Changi GRC MP Valerie Lee expressed her disappointment, describing the behavior as "deplorable," indicating that the issue was not about legality but a lack of respect. Local science content creator Biogirl MJ also addressed the controversy, leaving a review on the restaurant's Google Maps listing. Havelock Palace responded by tightening their food-sourcing and receiving controls, strengthening supplier documentation and traceability, and prohibiting food from unauthorized sources from entering their kitchen.

They also conducted refresher training for their management and kitchen staff on food safety and proper handling.

The incident also affected the group responsible for the intertidal outing, which disbanded following public pressure. Its administrator deleted his intertidal-foraging videos and announced a suspension of all coastal foraging activities. Singapore's National Parks Board urged the public to leave marine wildlife in its natural habitat and reminded that the removal of wildlife from their habitats harms biodiversity and disrupts ecosystems.