Havelock Palace Apologizes for Cooking Foraged Changi Beach Seafood

Havelock Palace has issued an apology for its involvement in cooking foraged seafood obtained from Changi Beach. The Chinese restaurant faced significant online criticism and a wave of one-star Google reviews following the release of a video depicting individuals gathering substantial amounts of marine life, including crabs and clams, from the beach.

The foragers then brought their catch to Havelock Palace, where it was cooked. This act sparked widespread condemnation directed at both the foragers, who have since disbanded, and the restaurant. Member of Parliament Valerie Lee, representing the Changi division, described the video as "deplorable." She emphasized that the issue extended beyond legality, highlighting a profound lack of respect for the environment and traditional foraging practices, which advocate taking only what is needed to ensure sustainability.

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It's not just about whether something is legal or not. It feels like a complete lack of respect – for the animals, for these fragile ecosystems, and even for the traditions of ancient foragers, who understood that you take only what you need so the shore can continue to provide.

In its apology, posted on Saturday, Havelock Palace acknowledged responsibility for the incident. The restaurant stated it will "strengthen" its operational procedures. This includes tightening controls over its food sources, enhancing supplier documentation, prohibiting the use of food from unauthorized sources, and conducting refresher training for its staff on food safety and proper handling techniques. The restaurant aims to reassure the public and regulatory bodies of its commitment to responsible sourcing and food safety.

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We will strengthen our procedures, including tightening our food sources, strengthening supplier documentation, prohibiting food from unauthorised sources and conducting refresher training on food safety and proper food handling for our staff.