A COMPANY, run by popular food presenter and columnist K.F. Seetoh, has been hauled to court for violating work permit rules.

Makansutra Gluttons Bay is charged with instructing a foreign worker to work as a cook at the Siewann Seafood Cze Cha in Esplanade Mall between September 2006 and last October.

The cook is only allowed to work for Makansutra, according to his work permit.

The case was adjourned on Friday for two weeks.

The Ministry of Manpower prosecutor said that he needed time to consider issues that had been raised by the defence before the hearing could begin.

If convicted, Makansutra could be fined up to $5,000.

Mr Seetoh's wife, Patricia Seetoh, a director of the company, appeared in court on Friday for the firm, which is represented by lawyer Kirpal Singh.

Mr Seetoh, who founded Makansutra and has appeared in a television programme with the same name, was presented with the Special Recognition Award given out by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) at its annual Tourism Awards ceremony last month .

The case will be heard on April 18.