Caterer suspended while outbreak is investigated in Singapore
Nearly 200 people have fallen ill in Singapore, prompting authorities to suspend a caterer.
The Communicable Diseases Agency, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the Early Childhood Development Agency are investigating six incidents of gastroenteritis reported at E-Bridge preschools.
A total of 185 people, including 173 students and 12 staff, developed symptoms after consuming food provided by Middleton International School Pte. One student was hospitalized and is in stable condition.
The SFA has suspended food operations at Middleton International School until further notice. The company must comply with the suspension including cleaning and disinfection of premises, equipment and utensils.
All food handlers must retake and pass the Level 1 Food Safety course and test negative for foodborne pathogens before they can return to work. The appointed Food Hygiene Manager must re-take and pass the Level 3 Food Safety course before being able to return to this role.
The nursery school operator has made alternative arrangements to ensure there will be no disruption to children’s meals. All affected sites have been transferred to SATS Food Services.
The E-Bridge preschool first sounded the alarm about illnesses in early October. Norovirus has been identified as the cause of some infections.
“We understand the concerns raised in light of recent cases of gastroenteritis reported at some E-Bridge centers. We are taking a comprehensive and proactive approach to enhance safety in our food handling, meal delivery, health monitoring and hygiene practices.”
The frequency of cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched areas has been increased. Food handling procedures, including temperature controls, storage processes and meal distribution routines, have also been strengthened.
Earlier in November, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA), under the Ministry of Health, was officially launched by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong. The CDA is Singapore’s public health agency responsible for protecting the country against infectious diseases.
The CDA consolidates the scientific and public health expertise, operational and policy capacities, as well as surveillance and analysis skills and systems, of the Ministry of Health, the National Center for Infectious Diseases and the Health Promotion Council. The agency began operating in April.
