SFA downgrades 2 food caterers after 45 cases of food poisoning traced to them
SINGAPORE — Two food caterers had their food hygiene grades downgraded by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) this week, after a total of 45 cases of food poisoning in separate incidents – in December and in March – were traced to them.
SFA said in a notice on its website that Chilli Api Catering’s food hygiene grade has been adjusted from A to C with effect from Tuesday (18 June), after 24 people were reported to have symptoms of gastroenteritis – inflammation of the stomach and intestines which causes vomiting and diarrhoea – after consuming food provided by the caterer.
The food hygiene grade will be reviewed in 12 months’ time, and SFA will keep Chilli Api Catering’s premises in Bedok North Street 5 under surveillance.
Similarly, Pro*3 Institutional Catering – located at Hillcrest Road – also saw its food hygiene grade adjusted from A to C for 12 months with effect from Monday, after 21 people also reported gastroenteritis symptoms and consuming food prepared by the caterer.
The public can view the revised grade after 12 months at the SFA website under “Search Track Records of Licensed Food Establishments”.
Spate of mass food-poisoning cases
Food catering service providers have come under scrutiny in recent months after a spate of mass food-poisoning cases, some involving young children.
In March, a gastroenteritis outbreak affected 13 PCF Sparkletots pre-schools and P.L.A.N Student Care Centre, with 257 cases reported.
The source of food poisoning was traced to the consumption of food prepared at Kate's Catering, and its operating licence was suspended for a total of 52 days before the suspension was lifted on 17 May.
In December last year, the River Valley branch of Asian fusion restaurant Spize had its licence terminated, after a mass food-poisoning incident in November which left one dead.
Related stories:
Gastroenteritis outbreak: Number of cases rises to 257, 1 new PCF Sparkletots centre affected
NEA shuts down Spize at River Valley for hygiene lapses in fatal food poisoning incident
