Catering firm’s licence suspended after 29 people fell ill: SFA, MOH

SINGAPORE — Catering company Taj Catering has had its licence suspended until further notice from Thursday (Nov 7), after 29 people were reported to have symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea after consuming food prepared by the company.

In a joint statement on Thursday, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) said that they are “investigating an incident of gastroenteritis” which occurred on Nov 2.

The authorities said that of the 29 people affected by gastroenteritis symptoms, one person was hospitalised and has since been discharged. No other details were given on where the food was consumed.

They added that SFA had suspended the company’s licence “in view of the multiple hygiene lapses detected during the MOH-SFA joint investigation”.

The authorities said that all food handlers working in the suspended premises are required to re-attend and pass the basic food hygiene course, before they can resume work.

“The appointed food hygiene officers working at the suspended premises are also required to re-attend and pass the food hygiene officer course before they can resume work as a food hygiene officer,” the SFA and MOH said in the joint statement.

“The suspended premises is also required to clean and sanitise the premises, including equipment and utensils.”

In a reminder, the SFA said that “food safety is a joint responsibility”.

“SFA would like to remind food operators to observe good food and personal hygiene practices at all times. SFA will not hesitate to take firm action against anyone found to be in violation of the Environmental Public Health Act.”

The business known as Taj Catering is owned by M/S Singapore Fast Food Pte Ltd, operating at 171 Kampong Ampat.

On its website, Taj Catering describes itself as one of Singapore’s “most promising caterers”, offering all types of Indian and international cuisine to crowds of up to 500 people.