Caterer suspended while outbreak is investigated in Singapore

Almost 200 people have been sickened in Singapore, prompting authorities to suspend a caterer.

The Communicable Diseases Agency, Singapore Food Agency (SFA), and Early Childhood Development Agency, are investigating six incidents of gastroenteritis reported at E-Bridge preschools.

A total of 185 individuals, including 173 students and 12 staff, developed symptoms after consuming food supplied by Middleton International School Pte. One student was hospitalized and is in stable condition.

SFA has suspended the food business operations of Middleton International School until further notice. The company must comply with the suspension including cleaning and sanitizing of the premises, equipment and utensils.

All food handlers are required to re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 1 and test negative for foodborne pathogens, before they can restart work. The appointed Food Hygiene Officer must re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 3 before they can resume this role.

The preschool operator has secured alternative arrangements to ensure there is no disruption in meal provisions for the children. All affected sites have shifted to SATS Food Services.

E-Bridge preschool first raised the alarm about illnesses in early October. Norovirus was identified as the cause of some infections.

“We understand the concerns raised in light of the recent gastroenteritis cases reported across some E-Bridge centers. We are taking a comprehensive and proactive approach to strengthen safety across our food handling, meal delivery, health monitoring, and hygiene practices.”

The frequency of cleaning and sanitizing high touch areas has been increased. Food handling procedures, including temperature checks, storage processes, and meal distribution routines, have also been reinforced.

Earlier in November, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA), which is under the Ministry of Health (MOH), was officially launched by Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong. The CDA is Singapore’s public health agency tasked with protecting the nation from infectious diseases.

The CDA consolidates the public health and scientific expertise, operational and policy capabilities, and surveillance and analytics skills and systems, from across MOH, the National Centre for Infectious Diseases and Health Promotion Board. The agency started operating in April.

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