A caterer has been suspended because 51 people suffered from gastroenteritis after eating food that it supplied.
In a media release on Monday (14 Oct), the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said the suspension of Stamford Catering Services’ operations took effect that day till further notice.
Source: Stamford Catering on Facebook
The 51 individuals had consumed food supplied by the caterer last Saturday (12 Oct), SFA said.
This took place across three incidents, it added.
None of those affected were hospitalised, but either sought outpatient treatment or self-medicated.
During the suspension, Stamford Catering must clean and sanitise its premises, which is located on the first floor of the Select Group Building at 24A Senoko South Road.
Source: Google Maps
This includes equipment and utensils.
Before they can resume work, all food handlers working on the premises must reattend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 1 and test negative for foodborne pathogens.
The appointed Food Hygiene Officer can only resume working on the premises in this role if they reattend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 3.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) and SFA are investigating the incidents.
In a Facebook post on Monday (14 Oct), Stamford Catering’s management informed customers of the suspension.
Source: Stamford Catering on Facebook
It has “taken immediate action” and is working closely with the local health authorities, it said, adding:
We have always adhered to stringent food safety protocols to ensure the quality of our catering services.
Thanking customers for their understanding and support, the company also pledged its commitment to ensuring that its kitchen is safe for operation.
This is not Stamford Catering’s first food poisoning incident.
According to SFA, 52 people reported gastroenteritis symptoms after consuming food provided by the caterer on 2 March 2019. One of them was hospitalised.
An inspection by MOH and SFA at the caterer’s premises in Senoko found “a high bacterial load” in food and environmental samples, with SFA saying:
This indicates poor personal and food hygiene practices.
SFA also found hygiene lapses such as poor housekeeping of appliances.
As a result, the company’s food hygiene grade was lowered to “C” for at least 12 months.
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Featured image adapted from Stamford Catering on Facebook and Google Maps.
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