17 customers of Burger & Lobster at Jewel Changi Airport fall ill with stomach flu; 4 hospitalised

SINGAPORE — The Burger & Lobster restaurant outlet located at Jewel Changi Airport has been suspended until further notice after 17 customers were affected by stomach flu.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said in a joint press release on Monday (May 16) that they are investigating six incidents of gastroenteritis, which affected a total of 17 persons after they consumed food prepared by the restaurant between May 7 and 15.

Of the consumers affected, four were hospitalised, the authorities said. One has since been discharged, while the three other cases are stable.

The authorities said that the remaining customers had either sought outpatient treatment, self-medicated or recovered without treatment.

In view of the "suspected ongoing transmission", SFA has suspended the restaurant’s business operations at Jewel Changi Airport with effect from Monday until further notice.

The authorities added that all food handlers working on the premises are required to re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 1 and to test negative for food-borne pathogens before they can resume work.

The appointed food hygiene officer working at the restaurant must re-attend and pass the Workforce Skills Qualifications Conduct Food and Beverage Hygiene Audit course before he or she can resume work.

The outlet is required to clean and sanitise its premises, including equipment and utensils, and dispose all ready-to-eat food and perishable food items.

“Food safety is a joint responsibility. SFA would like to remind food operators to observe good food and personal hygiene practices at all times.” 

The authorities warned that SFA “will not hesitate to take firm action” against anyone found to be in violation of the Environmental Public Health Act.

“In the interest of maintaining a high standard of food hygiene at all eating establishments, we would also like to advise members of the public who come across poor hygiene practices in food establishments not to patronise such outlets but to report to SFA… with details for our follow-up investigations.”

Members of the public may report cases at www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback.