51 pupils, 2 employees at 2 MOE kindergartens hit by gastroenteritis; authorities suspend Deli Hub Catering

Food caterer Deli Hub Catering's food business operations have been suspended by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) after 51 pupils and two employees from two MOE kindergartens in the north-east were hit by gastroenteritis.

The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said in a joint media release with the Ministry of Education (MOE) on Tuesday (Oct 27) night that two incidents of gastroenteritis reported at MOE Kindergarten @ Springdale and MOE Kindergarten @ Gongshang are being investigated.

According to the agencies, the 53 individuals had developed gastroenteritis symptoms between Oct 21 and 23 after consuming food supplied by the caterer.

Those affected have since sought outpatient treatment, self-medicated, or recovered without treatment, but none were hospitalised.

The two affected MOE kindergartens have since stepped-up hygiene and precautionary measures, and also conducted thorough cleaning and disinfection of the affected areas.

Meanwhile, the caterer's business operations at Boon Lay have been suspended from Oct 27 until further notice.

"The licensee is required to comply with measures during the suspension, including cleaning and sanitising the premises, equipment, and utensils," the three agencies said.

Food handlers working at Deli Hub Catering's premises will also be required to attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 1 and test negative for foodborne pathogens, before they are allowed to return to work as food handlers.

In addition, the appointed food hygiene officer working at the caterer must re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 3 before being allowed to resume duties.

To ensure that there is no disruption in meal provisions for the pupils, Kindergarten Care operator has arranged another food supplier for the two kindergartens.

SFA also reminded food operators that food safety is a joint responsibility, emphasising that good food and personal hygiene practices must be observed at all times.

The agency added that it will not hesitate to take firm action against anyone found to be in violation of the Environment Public Health Act.

"In the interest of maintaining a high standard of food hygiene at all eating establishments, we would also like to advise members of the public who come across poor hygiene practices in food establishments not to patronise such outlets and to report to SFA," the agency added.

Members of the public may report food hygiene practices via SFA's online feedback form at www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback .

新加坡食品局 (SFA) 已暂停餐饮服务商 Deli Hub Catering 的食品业务运营，此前东北部两所教育部幼儿园的 51 名学生和 2 名员工感染了肠胃炎。

传染病局 (CDA) 和新加坡食品局 (SFA) 于周二（10 月 27 日）晚与教育部 (MOE) 联合发布新闻稿称，教育部春谷幼儿园和教育部工上幼儿园报告的两起肠胃炎事件正在调查中。

据相关机构称，这 53 人在 10 月 21 日至 23 日期间食用了餐饮服务商提供的食物后出现了肠胃炎症状。

受影响者有的寻求门诊治疗，有的自行服药，有的未经治疗便康复，但无人住院治疗。

受影响的两所教育部幼儿园已加强卫生和预防措施，并对受影响区域进行了彻底的清洁和消毒。

与此同时，该餐饮公司位于文礼的业务运营已从10月27日起暂停，直至另行通知。

这三个机构表示：“持牌人必须在暂停营业期间遵守相关措施，包括清洁和消毒场所、设备和用具。”

在 Deli Hub Catering 的场所工作的食品处理人员也必须参加并通过食品安全课程 1 级，并且食源性病原体检测结果呈阴性，才能被允许返回工作岗位担任食品处理人员。

此外，餐饮服务商指定的食品卫生官员必须重新参加并通过食品安全课程 3 级考试，才能获准恢复工作。

为确保学生膳食供应不中断，幼儿园照护机构已为这两所幼儿园安排了另一家食品供应商。

新加坡食品局也提醒食品经营者，食品安全是每个人的共同责任，并强调必须始终遵守良好的食品和个人卫生习惯。

该机构补充说，对于任何违反《环境公共卫生法》的人，将毫不犹豫地采取严厉措施。

“为了维护所有餐饮场所的高标准食品卫生，我们也想建议公众，如果发现餐饮场所卫生状况不佳，不要光顾此类场所，并向新加坡食品局举报，”该机构补充道。

公众可通过新加坡食品局 (SFA) 的在线反馈表 www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback 举报食品卫生状况。