Singapore fines firm behind 2023 outbreak; investigates new incident

A food business linked to an outbreak that sickened more than 100 people in Singapore in 2023 has been fined.

Nosh Cuisine Pte was fined SGD $1,200 (U.S. $900) for a food safety offence committed under the Environmental Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations.

In May 2023, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) received reports of gastroenteritis from eight MindChamps preschools involving 107 people. Illness was traced to food supplied by Nosh Cuisine. Eight people were hospitalized.

A site inspection by MOH and SFA officers found the company failed to keep its premises clean.

At the time of the incident, operations at the firm were suspended and it was told to clean and sanitize the premises, including equipment and utensils, and dispose of all ready-to-eat and perishable food items. Restrictions were lifted in late July 2023.

Current outbreak
The Ministry of Health and Singapore Food Agency are also investigating three incidents of gastroenteritis affecting 51 people after consuming food supplied by Stamford Catering Services Pte earlier this month. Nobody needed hospital treatment.

SFA has suspended operations at the caterer, based on Senoko South Road, until further notice. The company must take action including cleaning and sanitizing of the premises, equipment, and utensils.

All food handlers working in the premises are required to re-attend and pass the food safety course Level 1 and test negative for foodborne pathogens, before they can resume work. The Food Hygiene Officer must pass the food safety course Level 3 before they can go back to work in this role.

In a statement, the company said it was contacted by authorities and instructed to temporarily suspend operations at its central kitchen.

“Please rest assured that the safety of our customers is our top priority. We have always adhered to stringent food safety protocols to ensure the quality of our catering services. We have taken immediate action and are working closely with the local health authorities on this matter. We are committed to ensuring that our kitchen is safe for operation and will provide updates when we have more information.”

Other enforcement cases
In other news, licensed food importer Jiajiafu Trading Pte was fined SGD $2,000 (U.S. $1,500) in court for processing and repacking food products at an unlicensed premises.

In March 2024, Singapore Food Agency officers inspected the site of Jiajiafu Trading and found food processing and repacking going on. The company is not licensed to conduct such activities. Approximately 280-kilograms of products were seized, including sliced chili and pre-packed dried food products.

SFA said illegal food processing and repacking activities at unlicensed facilities poses a food safety risk. All such establishments must be licensed and are required to meet SFA’s requirements and food safety standards. These plants are also routinely inspected by SFA.

In September 2024, the Singapore Food Agency seized about 300-kilograms of imported food from Thailand, following raids at five retail establishments.

Officials detected the sale of illegally imported processed and raw meat, as well as insect products at four outlets. These included chicken, beef, pork, and insects, such as beetles and snails. Two of the establishments were also operating without valid licenses.

Finally, SK Retail Pte was fined SGD $4,800 (U.S. $3,600) in court this month for operating an unlicensed cold store. The firm’s director, Kwon Young Soo, was also fined the same amount for failing to prevent the offence from being committed.

In May 2023, officers from the Singapore Food Agency found that SK Retail had stored meat and seafood at its premises, which is not licensed as a cold store. A total of 207-kilograms of products were seized.

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Source: https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2024/10/singapore-fines-firm-behind-2023-outbreak-investigates-new-incident/