SINGAPORE — A total of 43 Temasek Junior College (TJC) staff members fell ill with gastroenteritis symptoms after consuming food prepared by Chilli Api Catering on March 12, the school said on Monday (March 15).

Eight of them are now hospitalised and are in stable condition, principal Low Ay Nar said.

The caterer was ordered to suspend operations from Sunday after 82 people — including the 43 from TJC — fell ill with gastroenteritis symptoms.

It is unclear where the remaining 39 people consumed the food.

TJC had ordered 216 bento lunch boxes from Chilli Api on Friday “to thank staff individually for work in Term 1”, Mrs Low said.

Staff members collected the lunch boxes and consumed them separately.

Some of those who had eaten the bento lunch boxes reported gastroenteritis symptoms the next day.

“On receiving these reports, the school immediately advised all staff who had consumed the same lunch boxes and experiencing similar symptoms to visit a doctor,” Mrs Low said.

“We are monitoring the health of all affected staff closely, and will extend the necessary support to them,” the principal added.

The school is also working with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) to assist in investigations.

In December 2018,  24 people reported gastroenteritis symptoms after consuming food provided by Chilli Api Catering at Shimei East Kitchen on Bedok North Street 5. In 2019, SFA downgraded its food hygiene ratings from “A” to “C”. CNA

For more stories like this, visit cna.asia.