T
Toshiie Maeda
Guest
Caterer under food poisoning probe
Posted: 13 May 2011 0031 hrs
SINGAPORE: The Health Ministry and National Environment Agency (NEA) are investigating a food poisoning incident involving a licensed caterer, Mum's Kitchen Catering Pte Ltd, which supplies food to Pat's Schoolhouse.
So far, the Ministry has been notified of a total of 218 cases, with seven currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Most of the cases -- which involved fever, diarrhoea and vomiting -- occurred on Tuesday.
The joint statement from the two authorities said they immediately conducted inspection at the caterer's premises on the same day.
Eight food samples and three environmental swabs were taken by the Ministry and sent to the laboratory for microbial analysis.
Nineteen food handlers were also referred for screening for food-borne pathogens. Epidemiological investigations are on-going.
NEA also found a dirty refrigerator door lining.
No other lapses were found at the food preparation and storage areas.
The statement said the caterer has been instructed to disinfect his premises and all items used in the preparation and storage of food.
The caterer has been fined S$300 for the dirty refrigerator door lining and given four demerit points.
In the interest of public safety, NEA is temporarily suspending the licence of the caterer pending the outcome of the investigations.
The suspension takes immediate effect.
The statement added that the same caterer had been fined for lapses in December last year for a food poisoning incident involving 35 people at a company function.
Those who were affected came down with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting.
The Ministry has advised the school to be alert to new cases and maintain high standards of hygiene among students and staff.
-CNA/wk
