Spize outlets in Bedok fined $3,600 each after 15 patrons suffered gastroenteritis in July last year
Authorities found lapses such as stained chopping board, improperly-segregated raw and cooked food, no hand soap in kitchen toilet
SINGAPORE — Two companies operated by local eatery chain Spize were each fined $3,600 on Wednesday (15 November) for food safety lapses.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said in a media release that it had received reports of gastroenteritis (stomach flu) in July last year, involving 15 people after they had consumed food prepared by Spize’s food establishments along Bedok Road. None were hospitalised.
A joint investigation conducted by SFA and the Ministry of Health found the western food stall at 336/338 Bedok Road, licensed under Spize Bedok Pte Ltd, to have improperly segregated raw and cooked food at its serving station. It also used a stained chopping board for cooked food.
Meanwhile, the outlet at 284 Bedok Road, licensed under Spize Concepts Pte Ltd, had failed to provide hand soap in the kitchen toilet, and conducted food processing in its premises without authorisation.
SFA has since directed Spize Bedok and Spize Concepts to rectify the lapses, and take necessary measures to improve the food safety practices and the cleanliness of its premises. The food hygiene grades of both stalls have also been adjusted from “A” to “C”.
Past incidents
Spize had previously made headlines for serious lapses in food preparations.
In 2018, a 38-year-old Sats employee died from gastroenteritis after eating bento-box meals prepared by Spize’s former River Valley outlet. A total of 72 people suffered gastroenteritis in that incident.
The death was later deemed by the State Coroner to be "an unfortunate misadventure" in August 2019. Two companies under Spize were later fined $32,000 for the incident in December 2020.
The River Valley outlet was initially suspended in November 2018. Subsequently, it had its licence revoked, and was instructed by the National Environment Agency (NEA) to shut down in December 2018.
Food safety a 'joint responsibility'
SFA said that food safety is a "joint responsibility" as food can be contaminated anywhere along the food chain. It reminded all food operators to ensure their premises are clean and well-maintained, and their staff members are adequately trained on proper food safety management.
If convicted, offenders may face a fine up to $2,000. In the case of a continuing offence after conviction, a further fine of up to $100 per day or part thereof may be issued.
Members of the public who come across poor hygiene practices in food establishments are advised not to patronise them, and provide feedback via SFA's online feedback form for the agency to follow up with investigations.
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