Spize Bento Victim’s Tragic Experience Reminds Us To Take ‘Consume By’ Dates Seriously

Spize Bento Victim Ate His Food 2 Hours After Recommended Time

Last November, Mr Mohamad Fadli Mohd Saleh, a 38-year-old auxiliary officer tragically passed away after consuming a bento box from popular eatery, Spize.

Source

An inquiry was launched shortly after the incident. On Thursday (15 Aug), the courts heard that Fadli had eaten the food at least 2 hours after the recommended period.

This could have contributed to his eventual demise.

Bento boxes were prepared in the morning

According to TODAY Online, the bento boxes were prepared at Spize’s River Valley outlet between 9.30am to 10.30am on 6 Nov.

Spize River Valley now permanently closed
Source

A police investigation officer, Senior Staff Sergeant (SSS) Raveen Kumar Praim Kumar, told the court that a deliveryman dropped off the bentos at Fadli’s security firm in Kaki Bukit at around 11.30am.

The deliveryman also reportedly told staff at the company that the bentos should be consumed by 12.30pm — an hour after the delivery.

SSS Raveen said the deliveryman ate from one of the bento boxes between 10.30am to 11.30am, but did not become sick.

Got a stomachache after consuming bento after 2 hours

However, SSS Raveen pointed out that Fadli and his team members only collected their food at around 2.53pm. This was more than 2 hours after the recommended consumption period.

 

Investigators remain uncertain of the type of bento box Fadli received, but it’s believed that he ate the packaged food some time between then and 4pm.

That evening, Fadli began having a stomachache and exhibited vomiting symptoms. He also suffered from a high fever of 39.9°C, body aches, and nausea.

Source

A day later, he fell unconscious. He was warded at Sengkang General Hospital till 14 Nov, when he suffered a cardiac arrest. Doctors declared him dead at around 7.20pm.

Late food consumption a possible factor in man’s demise

Fadli’s cause of death was eventually identified as sepsis and multiple organ failure originating from gastroenteritis.

He was also diagnosed with bacterial infection from salmonella — a bacteria found in raw meat.

Illustration of Salmonella bacteria
Source

An official from the Health Ministry was asked if Fadli’s late consumption of the food could have led to his demise.

The official reportedly said it it was “possible“, especially with the warm weather in Singapore. The way bento boxes were packed was also a “favourable” breeding ground for bacteria.

Bacteria can multiply at room temperature

According to a separate report in The Straits Times, consumers have a higher chance of getting food poisoning from catered meals as compared to freshly prepared food.

For illustration purposes
Source

That’s because catered meals are often left for a longer period in ambient temperature after being cooked. This gives bacteria more time to multiply and can cause food poisoning once it reaches “sufficient levels”.

Thus, food caterers in Singapore are required to “time-stamp” their meals which informs customers the time they should consume it by.

This timing is typically set at 4 hours after the dish is cooked.

Consume food within the recommended period

While Fadli’s passing is truly tragic, perhaps it could have been avoided if food was consumed within the recommended period.

Meanwhile, we hope this serves as a timely reminder for all Singaporeans to always consume their food within the recommended period to avoid falling sick.

Featured image adapted from SugarWifi

The Must Share News Team

Teamwork makes the dream work.

Recent Posts

Yishun landlady arrested for brandishing knife on couple during money dispute, claims self-defence

The dispute occurred over a S$1,000 deposit that the landlady had failed to return.

14 Nov 2024, 3:13 pm

Woman from Taiwan abducted in Thailand after alleged ploy by best friend, family asked to pay S$94K ransom

Her friend allegedly used 'catching up' as an excuse to lure her to Thailand.

14 Nov 2024, 3:11 pm

Expectant mother in China supposed to have triplets, finds out she’s pregnant with 9 babies

The expectant mother initially had difficulties conceiving but later became pregnant after taking ovulation-inducing drugs.

14 Nov 2024, 2:04 pm

2.9M eligible S’poreans to receive Assurance Package payouts from 5 Dec

Link NRIC to PayNow to receive the payouts early.

14 Nov 2024, 11:59 am

Car crashes into woman crossing Orchard Road during green traffic light, sends her flying

A 67-year-old taxi driver is assisting with the police investigation.

14 Nov 2024, 11:45 am

‘The girls will not feel safe’: Parents of S’pore Sports School students in deepfake nude photo scandal demand harsher punishment

The school has lodged a police report and police investigations are ongoing.

14 Nov 2024, 10:36 am