51 children and two staff members have been struck with gastroenteritis after consuming food at two Ministry of Education (MOE) kindergartens in Sengkang and Tampines.
As a result, the local caterer that supplied food to both schools has been suspended, said the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) and MOE in a joint statement on Tuesday (27 Oct).
MOE Kindergarten@Springdale (left) and MOE Kindergarten@Gongshang. Source: Google Maps and Google Maps
The two gastroenteritis incidents were reported at MOE Kindergarten @ Springdale, located at 71 Anchorvale Link, and MOE Kindergarten @ Gongshang at 1 Tampines Street 42.
As of Monday (26 Oct), 53 cases of gastroenteritis symptoms have been reported between 21 and 23 Oct (last Wednesday and Friday).
All the sufferers had consumed food at the two kindergartens, the statement noted.
None of the gastroenteritis cases resulted in hospitalisation, SFA, CDA and MOE said.
All the patients either sought outpatient treatment, self-medicated, or recovered without treatment.
The two kindergartens have stepped up their hygiene and precautionary measures, including carrying out thorough cleaning and disinfection of affected areas.
Source: Google Maps
SFA said the food was supplied by Deli Hub Catering Pte Ltd, a caterer engaged by the Kindergarten Care (KCare) operator of the two kindergartens.
As ongoing transmission is suspected, SFA has suspended the caterer’s food business operations at 30B Quality Road.
Source: Google Maps
The suspension takes effect from 27 Oct and will last till further notice.
The KCare operator has engaged another food supplier for the two kindergartens for the time being.
During its suspension, Deli Hub must comply with measures including cleaning and sanitation of the premises, equipment, and utensils.
It should also ensure all food workers on the premises reattend and pass the Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) Food Safety Course Level 1, SFA said.
They will not be allowed to resume work as food workers until they do so, and test negative for foodborne pathogens.
Additionally, the licensee must ensure that the appointed food hygiene officer working on the premises reattends and passes the Food Safety Course Level 3 before resuming work in the position.
SFA reminded food businesses to observe good food safety practices at all times, noting that food safety is a “joint responsibility”.
It will not hesitate to take “firm action” against those in violation of the Environmental Public Health Act, it said.
The gastroenteritis incidents at the two kindergartens are being investigated by SFA and CDA, with MOE working closely with the agencies and the kindergartens to assist in the probe.
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Featured image adapted from Google Maps and Google Maps.