In the span of less than three weeks, Singapore has been hit with a spate of mass food poisonings, affecting over 400 people in all.
While food hygiene lapses could be one cause, Dr Chia Shi-Lu, chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Health, told The New Paper yesterday the scale and proximity (in terms of time) of the incidences could very well point to something like a bug or contaminated source.
He added that while investigations were still ongoing and he could not say for sure what the cause might be, the fact that there were multiple incidences despite the rigorous food hygiene standards might indicate that it could be something more worrying than just hygiene. Caterers would also likely have stepped up precautions after each case.
related:
Overnight camp aborted after Punggol Primary pupils suffer stomach pain and diarrhoea
A three-day camp for about 200 pupils from Punggol Primary School was cut short after a number of them suffered abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
In an online notice sent to parents on Friday evening (Aug 30), the school said some of the Primary 5 pupils fell ill during the camp held at Dairy Farm Outdoor Adventure Learning Centre, which is run by the Ministry of Education.
"In the interest of the students' well-being, the school has decided to curtail the camp duration," said the notice. It was to have been from Thursday to Saturday morning.
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18 typhoid fever cases in 3 weeks
Typhoid fever is an infection caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi, and is transmitted through eating food or water contaminated by the faeces and urine of patients or carriers.PHOTO: ST FILE
The authorities are investigating after 18 people were hospitalised for typhoid fever in about three weeks.
The individuals developed symptoms of the bacterial infection between July 13 and Aug 4, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said in a joint statement yesterday. They are currently in stable condition, and 14 patients have been discharged.
In response to queries from The Sunday Times, MOH and SFA said that they are interviewing affected individuals to identify common links, and collecting food and water samples for testing. Household members of those who fell ill have also been tested and advised to seek medical help if they develop symptoms.
related: MOH, SFA investigating after 18 typhoid fever cases
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MOH finally reveals typhoid outbreak in S’pore with number rises from 15 to 18 in four days
It was reported that on Thursday (15 Aug), the Etern Medical Group which operates 4 clinics in Sengkang and Punggol published a government circular it had received on its Facebook page.
The circular, apparently from Ministry of Health (MOH), revealed that there has been an outbreak in typhoid fever in Singapore recently. As of 13 Aug, MOH has already been notified of 15 cases of typhoid fever locally:
At the time when the Etern Medical Group received the government circular, MOH avoided publicly informing members of the public about the typhoid outbreak.
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Typhoid fever cases increase in Singapore in recent weeks
The Ministry of Health reports that there have been 15 local cases of typhoid fever between July 13 and August 2 of this year
There has been an increase in typhoid fever cases in Singapore in recent weeks. The increase in typhoid fever cases in Singapore was announced in a memo issued to doctors by the Ministry of Health (MOH). The MOH memo was re-published on Facebook by Etern Medical, a local medical clinic:
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. Transmission occurs through the faecal-oral route, commonly from consumption of drinking water or food that are contaminated by infected persons or chronic carriers. The incubation period is 8 – 14 days (range from 3 to >60 days). Humans are the only natural host and reservoir for typhoid fever cases, said MOH.
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5 things you should know about food poisoning
Food poisoning has been in the spotlight in Singapore recently, with a number of high profile cases resulting in mass cases and the closure of some establishments.
To assess how risky certain types of food are and how to reduce any potential issues, CNA did an experiment with the help of food safety expert Richard Khaw from Nanyang Polytechnic.
Here are five things we found out following the experiment:
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Food poisoning: What are the chances of getting it from catered food?
Catered food, whether served at buffets or through bento boxes, has left a bitter aftertaste after some firms serving up such items were found to be behind recent food poisoning incidents.
In November last year, a 38-year-old man died after eating contaminated catered food from Spize Restaurant @ River Valley. The restaurant is no longer operating.
Spize was not the only culprit. Four other mass food poisoning cases were reported between October and December 2018 involving Team Catering, Tung Lok Catering, FoodTalks Caterer & Manufacturer and the Mandarin Orchard Hotel. More recently, in April this year, 230 pupils at Zhenghua Primary School in Bukit Panjang suffered gastroenteritis.
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59 at 2 welfare homes hit by food poisoning
The authorities are investigating 2 welfare homes after 59 people fell ill from eating food prepared in their kitchen.
The homes in Pelangi Village, a social welfare complex in Buangkok, have been ordered to stop using the kitchen.
The Health Ministry and Singapore Food Agency said in a joint statement yesterday that as of Monday noon, Angsana Home had 22 cases of gastroenteritis and Banyan Home, 37.
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This latest case follows several food poisoning incidents last month.
On April 4, more than 20 students staying at Ridge View residential college at the National University of Singapore fell ill after eating food at its dining hall. Eight days later, five became ill after a meal at the university's residential hall Prince George's Park House.
On April 25, it was reported that 230 Zhenghua Primary School pupils had developed gastroenteritis over a week.
Before that, there were a string of food poisoning cases, starting in March, at 13 PCF Sparkletots pre-schools and PLAN Student Care Centre. They involved nearly 260 young children and staff who ate food prepared by an outside caterer. Kate's Catering was subsequently suspended and the suspension was lifted last Friday.
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Western food stall in Hougang gets hygiene downgrade after 7 cases of gastroenteritis incidents
A western food stall in Hougang Central has its food hygiene grade downgraded from “B” to “C” from Thursday (9 May) due to a batch of gastroenteritis incidents earlier this year, said the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).
In a food hygiene notice issued on Thursday, the agency said that seven people were reported having gastroenteritis symptoms after eating food from 5 Star Corner Western Food between 14 and 16 January.
The stall, located at Blk 805 Hougang Central, #01-116, had its grade downgraded following investigations into the incidents.
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22 students from NUS residential college down with gastroenteritis symptoms
More than 20 students of a residential college at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have fallen ill after eating food from the accommodation's dining hall.
A source familiar with the situation told The Straits Times on Thursday (April 4) that the students had dined at the Ridge View Residential College on Tuesday and Wednesday.
A majority of them ate food from the Malay food counter, the source said.
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Food stall suspended, NUS orders audit after 5 students develop gastroenteritis symptoms in 2nd case this month
The National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) are investigating after five students from Prince George's Park House, a student residence, developed symptoms of gastroenteritis.
This incident, which occurred on April 12, is the second one this month.
On April 4, 22 students at Ridge View Residential College, another student residence at NUS, came down with similar symptoms.
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230 fall ill with gastroenteritis symptoms at Zhenghua Primary School
Zhenghua Primary School has been hit by a spate of gastroenteritis over the last week, with 230 reported to have developed symptoms as of 5pm on Wednesday (April 24).
Two were hospitalised, and both have since been discharged, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) in a joint statement on Thursday. Both authorities are investigating the incident.
As part of the investigation, a joint inspection of the school canteen was conducted last Wednesday, and 16 food handlers were sent for stool screening.
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15 taken to hospital after 109 hit by suspected food poisoning at PCF Sparkletots outlets
A caterer has been suspended after an outbreak of gastroenteritis across several PCF Sparkletots outlets, which led to at least 109 people falling ill, with 15 taken to hospital.
This is the third case of gastroenteritis in pre-schools in recent months. A Feb 1 lunch at PCF's Toa Payoh outlet left 14 children vomiting and having diarrhoea. And, on Feb 26, the authorities announced that 31 people developed gastroenteritis at Tanglin MindChamps pre-school.
On Wednesday morning (March 27), the Ministry of Health (MOH), National Environment Agency (NEA) and Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) told The Straits Times that they are investigating the incident.
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Food poisoning cases jump to 238 as Plan Student Care Centre
Children and staff at five more PCF Sparkletots pre-schools have reported symptoms of food poisoning, bringing the total number of cases to 222 as of 4pm on Thursday (March 28).
The previous tally was 184 at 4pm on Wednesday, up from 109 previously.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) also announced that there were another 16 cases at Plan Student Care Centre on Friday, bringing the total number of cases to 238.
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MOH, AVA and NEA investigating gastroenteritis outbreak at Tanglin MindChamps pre-school
The authorities are investigating an outbreak of gastroenteritis at a Tanglin MindChamps pre-school, the Ministry of Health (MOH), Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) said in a joint statement on Tuesday (Feb 26).
Thirty-one people have developed gastroenteritis symptoms as of 12pm on Tuesday, the authorities said.
Of the 31 people, two were hospitalised but have since been discharged.
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131 people down with gastroenteritis after consuming food from FoodTalks
In yet another case of food poisoning, 131 people have fallen ill after consuming food from a caterer. The victims included Kindergarten 2 children and teachers who were attending a learning camp.
In a joint statement, the National Environmental Agency (NEA), Ministry of Health (MOH) and Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) said that they were investigating an outbreak of gastroenteritis traced to the consumption of food prepared by FoodTalks Caterer & Manufacturer, located at Shimei East Kitchen in Bedok, on Monday (Nov 26).
As of Tuesday, 131 cases of gastroenteritis have been reported. None of the victims have been hospitalised.
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230 people at Zhenghua Primary School hit by gastroenteritis
A primary school in Bukit Panjang has been hit by a gastroenteritis outbreak last week, with 230 reportedly affected as of 5pm on Wednesday (24 April).
About 200 students from Zhenghua Primary School, located at 9 Fajar Road, had experienced symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain last Wednesday and Thursday, said its principal Constance Loke in response to media queries on Thursday.
More than 90 per cent of affected students have recovered and returned to school by Monday, said Loke. Two students who were hospitalised have since been discharged and are back at school.
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Gastroenteritis outbreak at Zhenghua Pri Sch — 230 sick, 2 hospitalised
Zhenghua Primary School in Bukit Panjang has become the latest community to be hit by an gastroenteritis outbreak that has struck various places islandwide in the last 6 months.
The authorities reported that 230 people had developed symptoms as of Wednesday (Apr 24) and two students were hospitalised. Both have since been discharged, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said in a joint statement on Thursday.
The school’s principal Constance Loke told TODAY that on April 17 and 18, about 200 students experienced symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and/or abdominal pain.
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When food poisoning turns deadly
Food poisoning is a common illness that is usually mild and clears up in a few hours to a few days, but in some cases it can cause serious complications, needing hospitalisation, and be fatal.
In separate mass food poisoning incidents which occurred in Singapore in November and December 2018, more than 500 people were affected but the majority recovered after receiving appropriate treatment. One person, however, 38-year-old auxiliary police officer Fadli Salleh, reportedly developed complications related to the kidneys, and died.
Experts say that your age, state of health, and your level of exposure to the contaminated food, determine the severity of your reaction. Individuals who are at high risk of reacting adversely to food poisoning include:
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More PCF Sparkletots outlets hit by food poisoning
A total of 12 PCF Sparkletots outlets are hit by the gastroenteritis outbreak — 7 are in Sengkang, 2 in Punggol, 2 in Toa Payoh and 1 in Paya Lebar
Another 5 PCF Sparkletots outlets have been hit by the gastroenteritis outbreak, the childcare centre operator said in a statement on Fri (Mar 29), making it 12 in total that have been affected so far.
Across all 12 schools, there were 222 reported cases involving children and staff as of 4pm on Fri. Of these, 25 cases required hospitalisation, with 11 already discharged. The rest are in stable condition, the childcare centre operator said.
The 12 affected schools are:
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Food poisoning cases jump to 238 as Plan Student Care Centre and 5 more PCF Sparkletots centres hit
The PCF Sparkletots centre at Toa Payoh Central Blk 79B was one of the 5 latest centres to be affected as the number of reported food poisoning cases linked to Kate's Catering rose to 238 on Mar 29, 2019. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Children and staff at 5 more PCF Sparkletots pre-schools have reported symptoms of food poisoning, bringing the total number of cases to 222 as of 4pm on Thu (Mar 28).
The previous tally was 184 at 4pm on Wednesday, up from 109 previously.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) also announced that there were another 16 cases at Plan Student Care Centre on Friday, bringing the total number of cases to 238.
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222 affected by gastroenteritis outbreak across 12 PCF Sparkletots centres
The number of people affected by a suspected gastroenteritis outbreak at several PCF Sparkletots pre-school centres has increased to 222, from 184 previously.
In an update on Friday (Mar 29), a PCF Sparketots spokesperson said the students and staff members affected were from 12 centres. This is up from seven centres on Wednesdays.
As of 4pm on Thursday, 25 of those cases were hospitalised. Eleven have since been discharged while the rest are in stable condition.
related:
184 cases, 7 PCF Sparkletots preschools affected by gastroenteritis outbreak
15 hospitalised after gastroenteritis outbreak at 4 PCF Sparkletots centres
14 children ill after eating catered lunch at PCF Sparkletots in Toa Payoh
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15 taken to hospital after 109 develop gastroenteritis at PCF Sparkletots outlets; caterer suspended
Caterer Kate’s Catering was instructed to suspend its operations with effect from Tuesday, pending investigations by the various agencies after an outbreak of gastroenteritis across several PCF Sparkletots outlets. PHOTOS: ST FILE, TIMOTHY DAVID
A caterer has been suspended after an outbreak of gastroenteritis across several PCF Sparkletots outlets, which led to at least 109 people falling ill, with 15 taken to hospital.
This is the 3rd case of gastroenteritis in pre-schools in recent months. A Feb 1 lunch at PCF's Toa Payoh outlet left 14 children vomiting & having diarrhoea. And, on Feb 26, the authorities announced that 31 people developed gastroenteritis at Tanglin MindChamps pre-school.
On Wed morning (Mar 27), the Ministry of Health (MOH), National Environment Agency (NEA) and Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) told The Straits Times that they are investigating the incident.
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PCF Sparkletots kids hit by food poisoning
Mrs Joey Phoon's mother with her 18-mth-old daughter, who was admitted to the hospital after suffering from food poisoning. PHOTO: LIANHE WANBAO
When Mrs Joey Phoon received a call from the teacher that her oldest daughter, four, had a fever & diarrhoea, she did not think much about it.
But about 2 hours later, she got another two calls that her three-year-old son and 18-month-old daughter also had fever and diarrhoea. It was then she suspected it had to do with the Sparkletots pre-school her children attended.
Mrs Phoon, 36, told The New Paper: "I began to realise something wasn't right. I called the school (again) to ask if there was any activity they were doing that day that could have caused the fever, but there wasn't."
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MOH, AVA and NEA investigating gastroenteritis outbreak at Tanglin MindChamps pre-school
A joint inspection of the premises of MindChamps PreSchool@Tanglin was conducted on Feb 25, 2019. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM GOOGLE MAPS
The authorities are investigating an outbreak of gastroenteritis at a Tanglin MindChamps pre-school, the Ministry of Health (MOH), Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) & the National Environment Agency (NEA) said in a joint statement on Tuesday (Feb 26).
31 people have developed gastroenteritis symptoms as of 12pm on Tuesday, the authorities said.
Of the 31 people, 2 were hospitalised but have since been discharged.
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14 children fall ill after lunch at Toa Payoh Sparkletots, at least 2 suffered from food poisoning
14 children from Sparkletots pre-school at Toa Payoh East fell ill after consuming lunch on Feb 1, 2019.PHOTO: LIANHE WANBAO
A Friday (Feb 1) lunch at a Toa Payoh pre-school left 14 children vomiting & having diarrhoea.
A spokesman for the PAP Community Foundation, which manages the Sparkletots pre-school at Toa Payoh East, said that about 40 pre-schoolers ate the same lunch, which started at around 11.15am.
The affected children, aged between 3 and 6, started vomiting from about 3.30pm on Friday. None have been hospitalised.
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14 children ill after eating catered lunch at PCF Sparkletots in Toa Payoh
A group of 14 children under the care of PCF Sparkletots at Block 45 Toa Payoh East fell ill on Friday afternoon (Feb 1) after consuming food prepared by a caterer.
According to PCF's manager of corporate affairs Samuel Ng, a group of about 40 children were served a catered lunch from about 11.15am on Friday.
14 children - aged between three and six years old - then started vomiting and having diarrhea from about 3.30pm, he said.
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Singapore Has Faced 7 Cases of Mass Food Poisoning In 2018
One would think that established food caterers won’t score you a trip to the hospital, but that doesn’t seem to be the case in at least 3 recent incidents.
Hundreds have experienced bad cases of diarrhoea this year, after consuming bento boxes alone. Spize’s incident ended in a tragic death, and the permanent closure of the outlet.
Here’s a a tl;dr version of similar incidents in 2018. We were surprised at how many we were able to uncover:
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175 food poisoning cases linked to 4 events held at Mandarin Orchard’s grand ballroom
MOH, NEA & AVA said in a joint statement that they are investigating the outbreak of gastroenteritis, which has been traced to food prepared at Mandarin Orchard on Sunday and later eaten by those affected. PHOTO: MANDARIN ORCHARD S'PORE
Mandarin Orchard Hotel has been instructed to suspend the banquet kitchen serving its grand ballroom after 175 people attending 4 different events at the same venue fell ill with food poisoning.
9 people were hospitalised & they are currently in a stable condition. The 4 events, including a wedding banquet, were held at the grand ballroom between Dec 1 and 3.
This is the 4th major food poisoning outbreak in recent weeks, after more than 400 people were affected by gastroenteritis in November.
related:
81 people fell sick after eating food catered by Spize
190 people fell ill after eating food from TungLok Catering
131 kindergarten pupils and teachers fell ill
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42 fall ill after banquet meal at Mandarin Orchard, 4 hospitalised
42 guests have fallen ill after attending a wedding banquet at Mandarin Orchard Singapore on Sunday (Dec 2), in the latest food poisoning incident to hit the country in recent weeks.
As of 9.30am on Wednesday, 4 of them have been hospitalised, the authorities said.
The Ministry of Health (MOH), National Environment Agency (NEA) and Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) said in a joint statement on Wednesday that they are investigating the outbreak of gastroenteritis, which has been traced to food prepared at Mandarin Orchard on Sunday and later eaten by those affected.
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Dozens ill after wedding banquet: Mandarin Orchard Singapore investigated for food poisoning cases
Dozens of people are understood to have fallen ill after attending a wedding lunch banquet at the Grand Ballroom of Mandarin Orchard Singapore on Sunday.
Mr Jeffrey Sivalingam, 61, the father of the bride, told The New Paper yesterday an 8-course meal had been catered for more than 400 guests.
After contacting them yesterday, the retiree said many of them had told him about falling ill after the banquet. "About 4 people from each table fell ill as well as some entire tables," he said.
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Part-time workers fall sick after working at Mandarin Orchard Hotel
She was working part-time as a waitress at Mandarin Orchard Hotel after completing her O- level exams, & was on duty during three banquets at the Grand Ballroom from last Friday to Sunday.
Mr Henry Beh's 16-yr-old daughter, Sharon, ate her meals at the staff canteen and fell ill subsequently. She suffered from diarrhoea and vomiting from Monday morning. Speaking to The New Paper yesterday, Mr Beh said his daughter, who has since recovered, was one of at least five who fell ill among her group of friends who were working part-time at the hotel.
As of Wednesday, about 175 people who attended 4 separate events at the Grand Ballroom at Mandarin Orchard Hotel have taken ill.
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Bug or contaminated source may be the cause
In the span of less than 3 weeks, Singapore has been hit with a spate of mass food poisonings, affecting over 400 people in all.
While food hygiene lapses could be one cause, Dr Chia Shi-Lu, chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Health, told The New Paper yesterday the scale & proximity (in terms of time) of the incidences could very well point to something like a bug or contaminated source.
He added that while investigations were still ongoing & he could not say for sure what the cause might be, the fact that there were multiple incidences despite the rigorous food hygiene standards might indicate that it could be something more worrying than just hygiene.
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Food poisoning: Can you really avoid it?
After a spate of high-profile food poisoning incidents in Singapore in recent weeks, people have been speculating about the possible causes & wondering how one can mitigate the risks.
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131 fall ill in 3rd mass food-poisoning case this month
In the 3rd case of mass food poisoning this month, 131 people – including kindergarten pupils and teachers – fell ill on Monday (26 November) after consuming food from a caterer while attending a learning camp.
In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the National Environment Agency (NEA), Ministry of Health (MOH) and Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) said they are investigating an outbreak of gastroenteritis – inflammation of the stomach and intestines which causes vomiting and diarrhoea. The outbreak was traced to the consumption of food prepared by FoodTalks Caterer & Manufacturer, located at Shimei East Kitchen along Bedok North Street 5. The three authorities carried out a joint inspection of the premises on Tuesday, with food and environmental samples taken for testing and food handlers being sent for stool screening.
According to Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao, the food poisoning victims had attended a learning camp organised by Busy Bees Asia. Organisers said that the camp was stopped immediately upon the outbreak of food poisoning. As of Tuesday, 131 cases of gastroenteritis had been reported. None of the victims have been hospitalised.
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Kindergarten students, teachers hit by food poisoning at camp, caterer under investigation
A bento box prepared by FoodTalks Caterer & Manufacturer. On Monday, 131 people — including kindergarten students and teachers — were hit by gastroenteritis, although none were hospitalised
In the 3rd major case of food poisoning this month, children & teachers at a learning camp fell ill on Monday (Nov 26) after they consumed food prepared by FoodTalks Caterer and Manufacturer.
A total of 131 people — including kindergarten students and teachers — were hit by gastroenteritis, although none were hospitalised.
The camp, which was organised by Learning Horizon, a subsidiary of global childcare chain Busy Bees, was immediately suspended after the food safety incident.
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NEA suspends TungLok Catering at Singapore Expo after at least 190 people fall ill
The National Environment Agency said the suspension of TungLok Catering's licence, which is in the interest of public health, will be until further notice. PHOTO: FACEBOOK / TUNGLOK EVENTS & CATERING
The catering arm of well-known restaurant group TungLok had its licence at the Max Atria at Singapore Expo suspended on Fri (Nov 23) after 190 people reportedly fell ill from eating food prepared at its premises.
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NEA suspends licence of TungLok Catering at Singapore Expo after 190 people fall ill, including SCDF officers
TungLok Catering's suspension will remain in effect until further notice, says NEA. (Photo: Facebook / TungLok Events & Catering)
The Spize Restaurant outlet at River Valley Road is suspended amid a gastroenteritis outbreak. (PHOTO: Spize @ River Valley Facebook page)
The gastroenteritis outbreak at the River Valley outlet of popular Asian fusion restaurant Spize saw its first fatality on Wednesday (14 November).
Fadli Salleh, 38, had been in critical condition in the intensive care unit of Sengkang General Hospital after eating bento-box meals prepared by Spize’s River Valley outlet for an event on 6 November. Fadli was married with 2 young children.
A total of 72 people suffered gastroenteritis – inflammation of the stomach and intestines – allegedly after consuming food from Spize, growing from an initial news report of 49 cases. The Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Wednesday that nine people remained in hospital in stable condition, while 36 had been discharged.
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Spize food poisoning: Number of cases hits 81
Spize's River Valley outlet has been suspended until further notice, and staff there have not been redeployed. ST PHOTO: ALPHONSUS CHERN
The Health Ministry said yesterday it has linked 9 more cases of food poisoning to food catered from the River Valley branch of restaurant Spize, bringing the total to 81 people. This comes as the one person who died, 38-yr-old Fadli Salleh, was buried yesterday.
His family declined to speak to reporters. The Sats officer and father of two had been in critical condition at Sengkang General Hospital's intensive care unit.
Like others who fell ill, Mr Fadli had eaten a bento box prepared by Spize's River Valley outlet for a Deepavali celebration organised by security company Brink's Singapore and held on its premises at Kaki Bukit on Nov 6.
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200 students of CHIJ Secondary Toa Payoh ill with food poisoning
On Thursday July 19, the Ministry of Health (MOH) was informed "of an incident of food poisoning" at the school, reports Channel NewsAsia. By Friday July 20, around 200 students suffered from gastrointestinal symptoms. The exact cause of the food poisoning is unknown, and MOH investigations are ongoing.
"Investigations are ongoing to determine the potential source of this incident," MOH said. The principal of the school Mrs Karen Tay, is quoted by CNA as saying that none of the kids were hospitalised. Also, most of them returned to school.
"The school is monitoring the situation and working with the relevant government agencies to ascertain the cause of the symptoms," she said. However, as a precautionary step, the school had the classrooms of the sick kids and all toilets disinfected and cleaned.
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Singapore school probed over 200 cases of food poisoning
A secondary school in Singapore is under investigation by the Ministry of Health (MOH) after over 200 students developed symptoms of food poisoning last week. MOH was notified of the incident at CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh) on Thursday (19 July) and are investigating the potential cause of the mass case of food poisoning.
The school’s principal said none of the affected students were hospitalised and most have returned to school as of 21 July. “The school is monitoring the situation and working with the relevant government agencies to ascertain the cause of the symptoms,” said principal Karen Tay.
As a precautionary measure, Tay added that the classrooms of affected students and toilets at the school’s premises have been cleaned and disinfected.
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CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh) taking precautions after food poisoning outbreak
About 200 students of CHIJ Secondary School (Toa Payoh) have come down with symptoms of food poisoning, including diarrhoea & abdominal pain.
The source of the contamination has yet to be determined, said the Ministry of Health, which was notified by the school on Thu (July 19), when students began showing symptoms.
Most of the students who became sick have returned to school and none was hospitalised, said the school's principal, Mrs Karen Tay, in response to queries from The Straits Times.
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200 students at CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh) fall ill with gastrointestinal symptoms
The health ministry is investigating the potential cause of food poisoning at CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh), after about 200 students developed gastrointestinal symptoms.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) said it was notified on Thu (Jul 19) "of an incident of food poisoning" at the school. As of Jul 20, about 200 students had developed gastrointestinal symptoms, it added.
"Investigations are ongoing to determine the potential source of this incident," MOH said in response to queries from Channel NewsAsia.
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About 200 RI students fall ill after buffet meal
About 200 Raffles Institution (RI) students had symptoms of food poisoning over the weekend, just days before many were due to sit their A-level examinations.
Most of those affected are Year 6 students, who had symptoms such as diarrhoea & stomach ache, The Straits Times has learnt.
Students whom ST spoke to noticed their schoolmates feeling sick last Friday after a buffet meal prepared by an external caterer. Students had symptoms of food poisoning; many due to sit their A-level exams soon.
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200 RI Students Down With Food Poisoning, Days Before A-Levels
This year’s A-Level Chemistry practical exams are scheduled for Thursday (25 Oct).
But for some Raffles Institution students, the past week hasn’t been conducive for studying for the paper at all. That’s because some 200 of them appeared to be down with food poisoning, reports The Straits Times.
1 student was even hospitalised, although he has since been discharged. The students allegedly started feeling ill last Friday. after a buffet meal prepared by an external caterer. The meal was organised as part of a graduation event.
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MOH Finally Explains Heat-Resistant Bacteria Behind Canteen Food Poisoning Incident
Do you remember a case of food poisoning for 14 students, due to fried rice in a canteen back in 2017? Neither do we.
But MOH has, in their quarterly Epidemiological New Bulletin, finally addressed the cause of incident. Apparently, the rice contained bacteria that thrives on cooked food left for prolonged periods at room temperature.
Worse still, re-heating could not destroy its spores and toxins. Yikes.
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School in Singapore under investigation for 110 cases of food poisoning
Several government agencies are investigating the cause of a mass case of food poisoning in a boarding school in Singapore. Last week, 110 students who were staying at Nanyang Girls’ High boarding school fell ill with stomach aches and diarrhoea.
The students were staying at the boarding school as part of a four-week program for the secondary 2 cohort. The program was immediately suspended after students were found to be ill. The majority of students were back in school on Monday, while the rest were recovering well, according to the school’s principal, Ng Chuen-Yin.
As of Tuesday, no new cases have been reported and the school is actively monitoring the situation.
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School food poisoning incident affects 71 students
Up to 71 pupils of a school in northwest Malaysia came down with suspected food poisoning yesterday after food served during the school’s cross-country run event on Saturday. The children began displaying symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain beginning 10am yesterday, and as many as 66 stayed home from school.
Officers from the District Health Office immediately visited the school upon learning about the situation. “Two pupils were sent for treatment at a private hospital. One was discharged, but the other was warded and is reported to be in stable condition,” the state’s health director Datuk Dr Norhizan Ismail told Bernama. “Three pupils were treated as outpatients at the Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital. The remaining pupils were given home remedies (by their parents).”
It is learnt that the food was ordered from an external caterer for the cross-country run, which saw the participation of 480 Year Three to Year Six students.
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related:
A three-day camp for about 200 pupils from Punggol Primary School was cut short after a number of them suffered abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
In an online notice sent to parents on Friday evening (Aug 30), the school said some of the Primary 5 pupils fell ill during the camp held at Dairy Farm Outdoor Adventure Learning Centre, which is run by the Ministry of Education.
"In the interest of the students' well-being, the school has decided to curtail the camp duration," said the notice. It was to have been from Thursday to Saturday morning.
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18 typhoid fever cases in 3 weeks
The authorities are investigating after 18 people were hospitalised for typhoid fever in about three weeks.
The individuals developed symptoms of the bacterial infection between July 13 and Aug 4, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said in a joint statement yesterday. They are currently in stable condition, and 14 patients have been discharged.
In response to queries from The Sunday Times, MOH and SFA said that they are interviewing affected individuals to identify common links, and collecting food and water samples for testing. Household members of those who fell ill have also been tested and advised to seek medical help if they develop symptoms.
related: MOH, SFA investigating after 18 typhoid fever cases
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MOH finally reveals typhoid outbreak in S’pore with number rises from 15 to 18 in four days
It was reported that on Thursday (15 Aug), the Etern Medical Group which operates 4 clinics in Sengkang and Punggol published a government circular it had received on its Facebook page.
The circular, apparently from Ministry of Health (MOH), revealed that there has been an outbreak in typhoid fever in Singapore recently. As of 13 Aug, MOH has already been notified of 15 cases of typhoid fever locally:
At the time when the Etern Medical Group received the government circular, MOH avoided publicly informing members of the public about the typhoid outbreak.
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Typhoid fever cases increase in Singapore in recent weeks
There has been an increase in typhoid fever cases in Singapore in recent weeks. The increase in typhoid fever cases in Singapore was announced in a memo issued to doctors by the Ministry of Health (MOH). The MOH memo was re-published on Facebook by Etern Medical, a local medical clinic:
- The memo from MOH said, “as of 13 Aug 2019, the Ministry of Health (MOH) was notified of 15 local cases of typhoid fever who developed symptoms since 13 July to 2 Aug 2019.”
- “As diagnosis of typhoid is by blood or stool tests typically done in hospitals, all 15 cases were hospitalised and are currently stable. 11 of them have since been discharged. Investigations are ongoing.”
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. Transmission occurs through the faecal-oral route, commonly from consumption of drinking water or food that are contaminated by infected persons or chronic carriers. The incubation period is 8 – 14 days (range from 3 to >60 days). Humans are the only natural host and reservoir for typhoid fever cases, said MOH.
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5 things you should know about food poisoning
Food poisoning has been in the spotlight in Singapore recently, with a number of high profile cases resulting in mass cases and the closure of some establishments.
To assess how risky certain types of food are and how to reduce any potential issues, CNA did an experiment with the help of food safety expert Richard Khaw from Nanyang Polytechnic.
Here are five things we found out following the experiment:
- SALAD SUFFERING - While a bowl of salad is generally very nutritious and healthy, it is not a meal completely free of food-poisoning risks
- BACTERIA IN THE SPOTLIGHT - In cases of mass food poisoning, the culprit is usually one of three types of bacteria: E-coli, salmonella or listeria
- HIGH HEAT DOES NOT DESTROY ALL BACTERIA - Bacteria is typically killed in temperatures above 75 deg celsius
- GUIDELINES TO EAT FOOD WITHIN FOUR HOURS - If you've ever been part of a work event or social activity where lunch is delivered by a catering company, you'll know that it has a four-hour time-limit for consumption
- HYGIENE, HYGIENE, HYGIENE - Food sellers, including caterers, should use tongs and gloves to maintain hygiene, and make sure that shared utensils are washed properly
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Food poisoning: What are the chances of getting it from catered food?
The “temperature danger zone” for cooked food is between 5°C and 60°C
Catered food, whether served at buffets or through bento boxes, has left a bitter aftertaste after some firms serving up such items were found to be behind recent food poisoning incidents.
In November last year, a 38-year-old man died after eating contaminated catered food from Spize Restaurant @ River Valley. The restaurant is no longer operating.
Spize was not the only culprit. Four other mass food poisoning cases were reported between October and December 2018 involving Team Catering, Tung Lok Catering, FoodTalks Caterer & Manufacturer and the Mandarin Orchard Hotel. More recently, in April this year, 230 pupils at Zhenghua Primary School in Bukit Panjang suffered gastroenteritis.
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59 at 2 welfare homes hit by food poisoning
The authorities are investigating 2 welfare homes after 59 people fell ill from eating food prepared in their kitchen.
The homes in Pelangi Village, a social welfare complex in Buangkok, have been ordered to stop using the kitchen.
The Health Ministry and Singapore Food Agency said in a joint statement yesterday that as of Monday noon, Angsana Home had 22 cases of gastroenteritis and Banyan Home, 37.
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This latest case follows several food poisoning incidents last month.
On April 4, more than 20 students staying at Ridge View residential college at the National University of Singapore fell ill after eating food at its dining hall. Eight days later, five became ill after a meal at the university's residential hall Prince George's Park House.
On April 25, it was reported that 230 Zhenghua Primary School pupils had developed gastroenteritis over a week.
Before that, there were a string of food poisoning cases, starting in March, at 13 PCF Sparkletots pre-schools and PLAN Student Care Centre. They involved nearly 260 young children and staff who ate food prepared by an outside caterer. Kate's Catering was subsequently suspended and the suspension was lifted last Friday.
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Western food stall in Hougang gets hygiene downgrade after 7 cases of gastroenteritis incidents
Dishes at 5 Star Corner Western Food. (PHOTO: Facebook screencap)
A western food stall in Hougang Central has its food hygiene grade downgraded from “B” to “C” from Thursday (9 May) due to a batch of gastroenteritis incidents earlier this year, said the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).
In a food hygiene notice issued on Thursday, the agency said that seven people were reported having gastroenteritis symptoms after eating food from 5 Star Corner Western Food between 14 and 16 January.
The stall, located at Blk 805 Hougang Central, #01-116, had its grade downgraded following investigations into the incidents.
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22 students from NUS residential college down with gastroenteritis symptoms
More than 20 students of a residential college at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have fallen ill after eating food from the accommodation's dining hall.
A source familiar with the situation told The Straits Times on Thursday (April 4) that the students had dined at the Ridge View Residential College on Tuesday and Wednesday.
A majority of them ate food from the Malay food counter, the source said.
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Food stall suspended, NUS orders audit after 5 students develop gastroenteritis symptoms in 2nd case this month
The National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) are investigating after five students from Prince George's Park House, a student residence, developed symptoms of gastroenteritis.
This incident, which occurred on April 12, is the second one this month.
On April 4, 22 students at Ridge View Residential College, another student residence at NUS, came down with similar symptoms.
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230 fall ill with gastroenteritis symptoms at Zhenghua Primary School
Zhenghua Primary School has been hit by a spate of gastroenteritis over the last week, with 230 reported to have developed symptoms as of 5pm on Wednesday (April 24).
Two were hospitalised, and both have since been discharged, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) in a joint statement on Thursday. Both authorities are investigating the incident.
As part of the investigation, a joint inspection of the school canteen was conducted last Wednesday, and 16 food handlers were sent for stool screening.
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15 taken to hospital after 109 hit by suspected food poisoning at PCF Sparkletots outlets
A caterer has been suspended after an outbreak of gastroenteritis across several PCF Sparkletots outlets, which led to at least 109 people falling ill, with 15 taken to hospital.
This is the third case of gastroenteritis in pre-schools in recent months. A Feb 1 lunch at PCF's Toa Payoh outlet left 14 children vomiting and having diarrhoea. And, on Feb 26, the authorities announced that 31 people developed gastroenteritis at Tanglin MindChamps pre-school.
On Wednesday morning (March 27), the Ministry of Health (MOH), National Environment Agency (NEA) and Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) told The Straits Times that they are investigating the incident.
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Food poisoning cases jump to 238 as Plan Student Care Centre
Children and staff at five more PCF Sparkletots pre-schools have reported symptoms of food poisoning, bringing the total number of cases to 222 as of 4pm on Thursday (March 28).
The previous tally was 184 at 4pm on Wednesday, up from 109 previously.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) also announced that there were another 16 cases at Plan Student Care Centre on Friday, bringing the total number of cases to 238.
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MOH, AVA and NEA investigating gastroenteritis outbreak at Tanglin MindChamps pre-school
The authorities are investigating an outbreak of gastroenteritis at a Tanglin MindChamps pre-school, the Ministry of Health (MOH), Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) and the National Environment Agency (NEA) said in a joint statement on Tuesday (Feb 26).
Thirty-one people have developed gastroenteritis symptoms as of 12pm on Tuesday, the authorities said.
Of the 31 people, two were hospitalised but have since been discharged.
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131 people down with gastroenteritis after consuming food from FoodTalks
In yet another case of food poisoning, 131 people have fallen ill after consuming food from a caterer. The victims included Kindergarten 2 children and teachers who were attending a learning camp.
In a joint statement, the National Environmental Agency (NEA), Ministry of Health (MOH) and Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) said that they were investigating an outbreak of gastroenteritis traced to the consumption of food prepared by FoodTalks Caterer & Manufacturer, located at Shimei East Kitchen in Bedok, on Monday (Nov 26).
As of Tuesday, 131 cases of gastroenteritis have been reported. None of the victims have been hospitalised.
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230 people at Zhenghua Primary School hit by gastroenteritis
A primary school in Bukit Panjang has been hit by a gastroenteritis outbreak last week, with 230 reportedly affected as of 5pm on Wednesday (24 April).
About 200 students from Zhenghua Primary School, located at 9 Fajar Road, had experienced symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain last Wednesday and Thursday, said its principal Constance Loke in response to media queries on Thursday.
More than 90 per cent of affected students have recovered and returned to school by Monday, said Loke. Two students who were hospitalised have since been discharged and are back at school.
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Gastroenteritis outbreak at Zhenghua Pri Sch — 230 sick, 2 hospitalised
Zhenghua Primary School in Bukit Panjang has become the latest community to be hit by an gastroenteritis outbreak that has struck various places islandwide in the last 6 months.
The authorities reported that 230 people had developed symptoms as of Wednesday (Apr 24) and two students were hospitalised. Both have since been discharged, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said in a joint statement on Thursday.
The school’s principal Constance Loke told TODAY that on April 17 and 18, about 200 students experienced symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and/or abdominal pain.
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When food poisoning turns deadly
Food poisoning is a common illness that is usually mild and clears up in a few hours to a few days, but in some cases it can cause serious complications, needing hospitalisation, and be fatal.
In separate mass food poisoning incidents which occurred in Singapore in November and December 2018, more than 500 people were affected but the majority recovered after receiving appropriate treatment. One person, however, 38-year-old auxiliary police officer Fadli Salleh, reportedly developed complications related to the kidneys, and died.
Experts say that your age, state of health, and your level of exposure to the contaminated food, determine the severity of your reaction. Individuals who are at high risk of reacting adversely to food poisoning include:
- Older adults, aged 65 and above
- Pregnant women
- Infants and children below the age of 5
- Individuals with a weakened immune system due to factors such as cancer treatment, alcoholism, diabetes, liver/kidney disease, heart disease, etc.
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More PCF Sparkletots outlets hit by food poisoning
Another 5 PCF Sparkletots outlets have been hit by the gastroenteritis outbreak, the childcare centre operator said in a statement on Fri (Mar 29), making it 12 in total that have been affected so far.
Across all 12 schools, there were 222 reported cases involving children and staff as of 4pm on Fri. Of these, 25 cases required hospitalisation, with 11 already discharged. The rest are in stable condition, the childcare centre operator said.
The 12 affected schools are:
- PCF Sparkletots @ Sengkang Central Blk 210
- PCF Sparkletots @ Sengkang Central Blk 270
- PCF Sparkletots @ Sengkang Central Blk 290A
- PCF Sparkletots @ Sengkang Central Blk 298B
- PCF Sparkletots @ Punggol North
- PCF Sparkletots @ Sengkang Central Blk 262A
- PCF Sparkletots @ Sengkang Central Blk 208
- PCF Sparkletots @ Sengkang Central Blk 231
- PCF Sparkletots @ Punggol Coast Blk 326
- PCF Sparkletots @ Paya Lebar Blk 221
- PCF Sparkletots @ Toa Payoh Central Blk 146A
- PCF Sparkletots @ Toa Payoh Central Blk 79B
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Food poisoning cases jump to 238 as Plan Student Care Centre and 5 more PCF Sparkletots centres hit
Children and staff at 5 more PCF Sparkletots pre-schools have reported symptoms of food poisoning, bringing the total number of cases to 222 as of 4pm on Thu (Mar 28).
The previous tally was 184 at 4pm on Wednesday, up from 109 previously.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) also announced that there were another 16 cases at Plan Student Care Centre on Friday, bringing the total number of cases to 238.
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222 affected by gastroenteritis outbreak across 12 PCF Sparkletots centres
The number of people affected by a suspected gastroenteritis outbreak at several PCF Sparkletots pre-school centres has increased to 222, from 184 previously.
In an update on Friday (Mar 29), a PCF Sparketots spokesperson said the students and staff members affected were from 12 centres. This is up from seven centres on Wednesdays.
As of 4pm on Thursday, 25 of those cases were hospitalised. Eleven have since been discharged while the rest are in stable condition.
related:
184 cases, 7 PCF Sparkletots preschools affected by gastroenteritis outbreak
15 hospitalised after gastroenteritis outbreak at 4 PCF Sparkletots centres
14 children ill after eating catered lunch at PCF Sparkletots in Toa Payoh
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15 taken to hospital after 109 develop gastroenteritis at PCF Sparkletots outlets; caterer suspended
A caterer has been suspended after an outbreak of gastroenteritis across several PCF Sparkletots outlets, which led to at least 109 people falling ill, with 15 taken to hospital.
This is the 3rd case of gastroenteritis in pre-schools in recent months. A Feb 1 lunch at PCF's Toa Payoh outlet left 14 children vomiting & having diarrhoea. And, on Feb 26, the authorities announced that 31 people developed gastroenteritis at Tanglin MindChamps pre-school.
On Wed morning (Mar 27), the Ministry of Health (MOH), National Environment Agency (NEA) and Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) told The Straits Times that they are investigating the incident.
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PCF Sparkletots kids hit by food poisoning
When Mrs Joey Phoon received a call from the teacher that her oldest daughter, four, had a fever & diarrhoea, she did not think much about it.
But about 2 hours later, she got another two calls that her three-year-old son and 18-month-old daughter also had fever and diarrhoea. It was then she suspected it had to do with the Sparkletots pre-school her children attended.
Mrs Phoon, 36, told The New Paper: "I began to realise something wasn't right. I called the school (again) to ask if there was any activity they were doing that day that could have caused the fever, but there wasn't."
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MOH, AVA and NEA investigating gastroenteritis outbreak at Tanglin MindChamps pre-school
The authorities are investigating an outbreak of gastroenteritis at a Tanglin MindChamps pre-school, the Ministry of Health (MOH), Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) & the National Environment Agency (NEA) said in a joint statement on Tuesday (Feb 26).
31 people have developed gastroenteritis symptoms as of 12pm on Tuesday, the authorities said.
Of the 31 people, 2 were hospitalised but have since been discharged.
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14 children fall ill after lunch at Toa Payoh Sparkletots, at least 2 suffered from food poisoning
A Friday (Feb 1) lunch at a Toa Payoh pre-school left 14 children vomiting & having diarrhoea.
A spokesman for the PAP Community Foundation, which manages the Sparkletots pre-school at Toa Payoh East, said that about 40 pre-schoolers ate the same lunch, which started at around 11.15am.
The affected children, aged between 3 and 6, started vomiting from about 3.30pm on Friday. None have been hospitalised.
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14 children ill after eating catered lunch at PCF Sparkletots in Toa Payoh
A group of 14 children under the care of PCF Sparkletots at Block 45 Toa Payoh East fell ill on Friday afternoon (Feb 1) after consuming food prepared by a caterer.
According to PCF's manager of corporate affairs Samuel Ng, a group of about 40 children were served a catered lunch from about 11.15am on Friday.
14 children - aged between three and six years old - then started vomiting and having diarrhea from about 3.30pm, he said.
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Singapore Has Faced 7 Cases of Mass Food Poisoning In 2018
One would think that established food caterers won’t score you a trip to the hospital, but that doesn’t seem to be the case in at least 3 recent incidents.
Hundreds have experienced bad cases of diarrhoea this year, after consuming bento boxes alone. Spize’s incident ended in a tragic death, and the permanent closure of the outlet.
Here’s a a tl;dr version of similar incidents in 2018. We were surprised at how many we were able to uncover:
- 110 victims at Nanyang Girls’ boarding school
- CHIJ Secondary incident with 200 victims
- 200 victims at Raffles Institution
- Spize River Valley case had 81 victims & 1 fatality
- TungLok Catering incident with 190 victims
- 131 victims at a local kindergarten
- 175 victims at Mandarin Orchard Singapore
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175 food poisoning cases linked to 4 events held at Mandarin Orchard’s grand ballroom
Mandarin Orchard Hotel has been instructed to suspend the banquet kitchen serving its grand ballroom after 175 people attending 4 different events at the same venue fell ill with food poisoning.
9 people were hospitalised & they are currently in a stable condition. The 4 events, including a wedding banquet, were held at the grand ballroom between Dec 1 and 3.
This is the 4th major food poisoning outbreak in recent weeks, after more than 400 people were affected by gastroenteritis in November.
related:
81 people fell sick after eating food catered by Spize
190 people fell ill after eating food from TungLok Catering
131 kindergarten pupils and teachers fell ill
read more
42 fall ill after banquet meal at Mandarin Orchard, 4 hospitalised
42 guests have fallen ill after attending a wedding banquet at Mandarin Orchard Singapore on Sunday (Dec 2), in the latest food poisoning incident to hit the country in recent weeks.
As of 9.30am on Wednesday, 4 of them have been hospitalised, the authorities said.
The Ministry of Health (MOH), National Environment Agency (NEA) and Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) said in a joint statement on Wednesday that they are investigating the outbreak of gastroenteritis, which has been traced to food prepared at Mandarin Orchard on Sunday and later eaten by those affected.
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Dozens ill after wedding banquet: Mandarin Orchard Singapore investigated for food poisoning cases
Dozens of people are understood to have fallen ill after attending a wedding lunch banquet at the Grand Ballroom of Mandarin Orchard Singapore on Sunday.
Mr Jeffrey Sivalingam, 61, the father of the bride, told The New Paper yesterday an 8-course meal had been catered for more than 400 guests.
After contacting them yesterday, the retiree said many of them had told him about falling ill after the banquet. "About 4 people from each table fell ill as well as some entire tables," he said.
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Part-time workers fall sick after working at Mandarin Orchard Hotel
She was working part-time as a waitress at Mandarin Orchard Hotel after completing her O- level exams, & was on duty during three banquets at the Grand Ballroom from last Friday to Sunday.
Mr Henry Beh's 16-yr-old daughter, Sharon, ate her meals at the staff canteen and fell ill subsequently. She suffered from diarrhoea and vomiting from Monday morning. Speaking to The New Paper yesterday, Mr Beh said his daughter, who has since recovered, was one of at least five who fell ill among her group of friends who were working part-time at the hotel.
As of Wednesday, about 175 people who attended 4 separate events at the Grand Ballroom at Mandarin Orchard Hotel have taken ill.
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Bug or contaminated source may be the cause
In the span of less than 3 weeks, Singapore has been hit with a spate of mass food poisonings, affecting over 400 people in all.
While food hygiene lapses could be one cause, Dr Chia Shi-Lu, chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Health, told The New Paper yesterday the scale & proximity (in terms of time) of the incidences could very well point to something like a bug or contaminated source.
He added that while investigations were still ongoing & he could not say for sure what the cause might be, the fact that there were multiple incidences despite the rigorous food hygiene standards might indicate that it could be something more worrying than just hygiene.
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Food poisoning: Can you really avoid it?
The culprits behind severe food poisoning are likely to be bacteria transferred from a food handler’s hands, or things like vegetables not washed thoroughly enough, said infectious diseases expert Leong Hoe Nam.
Speaking to Channel NewsAsia following the recent cases - including one which turned fatal - he said that the bacteria found on hands typically do not grow a lot on their own.
related:More than 130 children and teachers at a kids' camp fell ill
190 people fell ill after eating food from TungLok
One man died after consuming food from the River Valley outlet
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Could bug have been culprit?
More than 400 people had food poisoning in three separate incidents in November, leading an MP to say that a bug could have been a cause.
While food hygiene lapses could have been the cause, Dr Chia Shi-Lu, chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Health, said that the scale of the food poisoning cases and the fact that the incidents took place close to each other could suggest there were other causes, such as a bug or contaminated source.
He told The New Paper (TNP) that while investigations were still going on, the fact that there were multiple incidences despite the rigorous food hygiene standards might indicate that it could be something more worrying than just hygiene.
related:
131 people - Kindergarten 2 pupils and teachers - fell ill after eating meals
190 people reported falling sick after eating food at a SCD Force event
Mr Fadli Salleh, 38, died in hospital about a week later
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When can food poisoning kill and what to do to prevent it
We would all have eaten contaminated food and suffered the consequence at some point in our lives; it is not usually serious.
However, last Wednesday (Nov 14), 38-yr-old Fadli Salleh died about a week after consuming catered food prepared by Spize restaurant in River Valley.
His lungs & kidneys were said to have been affected and he was in critical condition in an intensive care unit.
related:
Dos and don'ts when recovering from food poisoning
Spate of food poisoning cases suggests more than food hygiene lapses
read more
Over 400 ill from food poisoning in November alone
In the 2nd half of the year alone, Singapore has seen a series of food poisonings, with 3 this month.
190 people fell ill after eating food from TungLok
One man died after consuming food from the River Valley outlet
read more
Could bug have been culprit?
More than 400 people had food poisoning in three separate incidents in November, leading an MP to say that a bug could have been a cause.
While food hygiene lapses could have been the cause, Dr Chia Shi-Lu, chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Health, said that the scale of the food poisoning cases and the fact that the incidents took place close to each other could suggest there were other causes, such as a bug or contaminated source.
He told The New Paper (TNP) that while investigations were still going on, the fact that there were multiple incidences despite the rigorous food hygiene standards might indicate that it could be something more worrying than just hygiene.
related:
131 people - Kindergarten 2 pupils and teachers - fell ill after eating meals
190 people reported falling sick after eating food at a SCD Force event
Mr Fadli Salleh, 38, died in hospital about a week later
read more
When can food poisoning kill and what to do to prevent it
We would all have eaten contaminated food and suffered the consequence at some point in our lives; it is not usually serious.
However, last Wednesday (Nov 14), 38-yr-old Fadli Salleh died about a week after consuming catered food prepared by Spize restaurant in River Valley.
His lungs & kidneys were said to have been affected and he was in critical condition in an intensive care unit.
related:
Dos and don'ts when recovering from food poisoning
Spate of food poisoning cases suggests more than food hygiene lapses
read more
Over 400 ill from food poisoning in November alone
In July, about 200 students of CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh) had symptoms of food poisoning, including diarrhoea & abdominal pain. None of the affected students was hospitalised and most returned to school soon after, said the school's principal Karen Tay.
Last month, days before the A-level examinations, about 200 Raffles Institution students showed symptoms of food poisoning after a buffet prepared by an external caterer.
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131 fall ill in 3rd mass food-poisoning case this month
In the 3rd case of mass food poisoning this month, 131 people – including kindergarten pupils and teachers – fell ill on Monday (26 November) after consuming food from a caterer while attending a learning camp.
In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the National Environment Agency (NEA), Ministry of Health (MOH) and Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) said they are investigating an outbreak of gastroenteritis – inflammation of the stomach and intestines which causes vomiting and diarrhoea. The outbreak was traced to the consumption of food prepared by FoodTalks Caterer & Manufacturer, located at Shimei East Kitchen along Bedok North Street 5. The three authorities carried out a joint inspection of the premises on Tuesday, with food and environmental samples taken for testing and food handlers being sent for stool screening.
According to Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao, the food poisoning victims had attended a learning camp organised by Busy Bees Asia. Organisers said that the camp was stopped immediately upon the outbreak of food poisoning. As of Tuesday, 131 cases of gastroenteritis had been reported. None of the victims have been hospitalised.
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Kindergarten students, teachers hit by food poisoning at camp, caterer under investigation
In the 3rd major case of food poisoning this month, children & teachers at a learning camp fell ill on Monday (Nov 26) after they consumed food prepared by FoodTalks Caterer and Manufacturer.
A total of 131 people — including kindergarten students and teachers — were hit by gastroenteritis, although none were hospitalised.
The camp, which was organised by Learning Horizon, a subsidiary of global childcare chain Busy Bees, was immediately suspended after the food safety incident.
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NEA suspends TungLok Catering at Singapore Expo after at least 190 people fall ill
The National Environment Agency (NEA) said in a notice on its website on Friday that it is working with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) to investigate multiple cases of gastroenteritis traced to the consumption of food from TungLok Catering at 1 Expo Drive.
In response to queries by The Straits Times, the authorities said on Saturday that a total of 190 people had reported symptoms of gastroenteritis as of Friday.
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NEA suspends licence of TungLok Catering at Singapore Expo after 190 people fall ill, including SCDF officers
The catering arm of well-known restaurant group TungLok has had its licence at Max Atria @ Singapore Expo suspended, after 190 people fell ill with symptoms of gastroenteritis.
Officers from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) were among those who fell ill.
None of the cases were hospitalised, said the Health Ministry, the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) in a joint response to Channel NewsAsia's queries on Sat (Nov 24).
related: Children, teachers fall ill after food poisoning incident at camp, caterer under investigation
Officers from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) were among those who fell ill.
None of the cases were hospitalised, said the Health Ministry, the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) in a joint response to Channel NewsAsia's queries on Sat (Nov 24).
related: Children, teachers fall ill after food poisoning incident at camp, caterer under investigation
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NEA shuts down Spize at River Valley for hygiene lapses in fatal food poisoning incident
Asian fusion restaurant Spize will have to shut down its River Valley branch, after the National Environment Agency (NEA) terminated its licence with immediate effect on Friday (7 December), following last month’s mass food poisoning incident which left one dead.
NEA will be taking enforcement action against the restaurant for the lapses, including pressing charges in court.
A joint statement by NEA, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) on Friday said that there was “strong evidence” of severe contamination from poor hygiene and food handling practices.
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Salmonella behind Spize mass food poisoning incident; outlet to be shut
Salmonella bacteria found at a Spize outlet was behind a mass food poisoning incident that left more than 80 people ill and caused dozens to be hospitalised, the authorities said on Friday (Dec 7).
The bacteria was found in both raw and ready-to-eat food at the restaurant's River Valley outlet – in samples of belacan egg fried rice, sambal belacan, raw chicken samples and kangkong (water spinach) and uncooked rice.
Salmonella was also found on the door handle of a cold room, the Ministry of Health (MOH), National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) said at a joint media briefing.
related:
Mandarin Orchard ballroom suspended after 175 people fell ill
130 students & teachers ill after consuming food prepared by FoodTalks
190 people ill after consuming food prepared by Tung Lok
SATS officer who consumed food from Spize dies
read more
Man dies after gastroenteritis outbreak at Spize Restaurant at River Valley
NEA shuts down Spize at River Valley for hygiene lapses in fatal food poisoning incident
Asian fusion restaurant Spize will have to shut down its River Valley branch, after the National Environment Agency (NEA) terminated its licence with immediate effect on Friday (7 December), following last month’s mass food poisoning incident which left one dead.
NEA will be taking enforcement action against the restaurant for the lapses, including pressing charges in court.
A joint statement by NEA, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) on Friday said that there was “strong evidence” of severe contamination from poor hygiene and food handling practices.
read more
Salmonella behind Spize mass food poisoning incident; outlet to be shut
Salmonella bacteria found at a Spize outlet was behind a mass food poisoning incident that left more than 80 people ill and caused dozens to be hospitalised, the authorities said on Friday (Dec 7).
The bacteria was found in both raw and ready-to-eat food at the restaurant's River Valley outlet – in samples of belacan egg fried rice, sambal belacan, raw chicken samples and kangkong (water spinach) and uncooked rice.
Salmonella was also found on the door handle of a cold room, the Ministry of Health (MOH), National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) said at a joint media briefing.
related:
Mandarin Orchard ballroom suspended after 175 people fell ill
130 students & teachers ill after consuming food prepared by FoodTalks
190 people ill after consuming food prepared by Tung Lok
SATS officer who consumed food from Spize dies
read more
Man dies after gastroenteritis outbreak at Spize Restaurant at River Valley
The gastroenteritis outbreak at the River Valley outlet of popular Asian fusion restaurant Spize saw its first fatality on Wednesday (14 November).
Fadli Salleh, 38, had been in critical condition in the intensive care unit of Sengkang General Hospital after eating bento-box meals prepared by Spize’s River Valley outlet for an event on 6 November. Fadli was married with 2 young children.
A total of 72 people suffered gastroenteritis – inflammation of the stomach and intestines – allegedly after consuming food from Spize, growing from an initial news report of 49 cases. The Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Wednesday that nine people remained in hospital in stable condition, while 36 had been discharged.
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Spize food poisoning: Number of cases hits 81
The Health Ministry said yesterday it has linked 9 more cases of food poisoning to food catered from the River Valley branch of restaurant Spize, bringing the total to 81 people. This comes as the one person who died, 38-yr-old Fadli Salleh, was buried yesterday.
His family declined to speak to reporters. The Sats officer and father of two had been in critical condition at Sengkang General Hospital's intensive care unit.
Like others who fell ill, Mr Fadli had eaten a bento box prepared by Spize's River Valley outlet for a Deepavali celebration organised by security company Brink's Singapore and held on its premises at Kaki Bukit on Nov 6.
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200 students of CHIJ Secondary Toa Payoh ill with food poisoning
On Thursday July 19, the Ministry of Health (MOH) was informed "of an incident of food poisoning" at the school, reports Channel NewsAsia. By Friday July 20, around 200 students suffered from gastrointestinal symptoms. The exact cause of the food poisoning is unknown, and MOH investigations are ongoing.
"Investigations are ongoing to determine the potential source of this incident," MOH said. The principal of the school Mrs Karen Tay, is quoted by CNA as saying that none of the kids were hospitalised. Also, most of them returned to school.
"The school is monitoring the situation and working with the relevant government agencies to ascertain the cause of the symptoms," she said. However, as a precautionary step, the school had the classrooms of the sick kids and all toilets disinfected and cleaned.
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Singapore school probed over 200 cases of food poisoning
A secondary school in Singapore is under investigation by the Ministry of Health (MOH) after over 200 students developed symptoms of food poisoning last week. MOH was notified of the incident at CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh) on Thursday (19 July) and are investigating the potential cause of the mass case of food poisoning.
The school’s principal said none of the affected students were hospitalised and most have returned to school as of 21 July. “The school is monitoring the situation and working with the relevant government agencies to ascertain the cause of the symptoms,” said principal Karen Tay.
As a precautionary measure, Tay added that the classrooms of affected students and toilets at the school’s premises have been cleaned and disinfected.
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CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh) taking precautions after food poisoning outbreak
About 200 students of CHIJ Secondary School (Toa Payoh) have come down with symptoms of food poisoning, including diarrhoea & abdominal pain.
The source of the contamination has yet to be determined, said the Ministry of Health, which was notified by the school on Thu (July 19), when students began showing symptoms.
Most of the students who became sick have returned to school and none was hospitalised, said the school's principal, Mrs Karen Tay, in response to queries from The Straits Times.
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200 students at CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh) fall ill with gastrointestinal symptoms
The health ministry is investigating the potential cause of food poisoning at CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh), after about 200 students developed gastrointestinal symptoms.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) said it was notified on Thu (Jul 19) "of an incident of food poisoning" at the school. As of Jul 20, about 200 students had developed gastrointestinal symptoms, it added.
"Investigations are ongoing to determine the potential source of this incident," MOH said in response to queries from Channel NewsAsia.
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About 200 RI students fall ill after buffet meal
About 200 Raffles Institution (RI) students had symptoms of food poisoning over the weekend, just days before many were due to sit their A-level examinations.
Most of those affected are Year 6 students, who had symptoms such as diarrhoea & stomach ache, The Straits Times has learnt.
Students whom ST spoke to noticed their schoolmates feeling sick last Friday after a buffet meal prepared by an external caterer. Students had symptoms of food poisoning; many due to sit their A-level exams soon.
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200 RI Students Down With Food Poisoning, Days Before A-Levels
This year’s A-Level Chemistry practical exams are scheduled for Thursday (25 Oct).
But for some Raffles Institution students, the past week hasn’t been conducive for studying for the paper at all. That’s because some 200 of them appeared to be down with food poisoning, reports The Straits Times.
1 student was even hospitalised, although he has since been discharged. The students allegedly started feeling ill last Friday. after a buffet meal prepared by an external caterer. The meal was organised as part of a graduation event.
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MOH Finally Explains Heat-Resistant Bacteria Behind Canteen Food Poisoning Incident
Heat-Resistant Bacteria Caused Canteen Food Poisoning Incident In Sep 2017
But MOH has, in their quarterly Epidemiological New Bulletin, finally addressed the cause of incident. Apparently, the rice contained bacteria that thrives on cooked food left for prolonged periods at room temperature.
Worse still, re-heating could not destroy its spores and toxins. Yikes.
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School in Singapore under investigation for 110 cases of food poisoning
Several government agencies are investigating the cause of a mass case of food poisoning in a boarding school in Singapore. Last week, 110 students who were staying at Nanyang Girls’ High boarding school fell ill with stomach aches and diarrhoea.
The students were staying at the boarding school as part of a four-week program for the secondary 2 cohort. The program was immediately suspended after students were found to be ill. The majority of students were back in school on Monday, while the rest were recovering well, according to the school’s principal, Ng Chuen-Yin.
As of Tuesday, no new cases have been reported and the school is actively monitoring the situation.
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School food poisoning incident affects 71 students
Up to 71 pupils of a school in northwest Malaysia came down with suspected food poisoning yesterday after food served during the school’s cross-country run event on Saturday. The children began displaying symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain beginning 10am yesterday, and as many as 66 stayed home from school.
Officers from the District Health Office immediately visited the school upon learning about the situation. “Two pupils were sent for treatment at a private hospital. One was discharged, but the other was warded and is reported to be in stable condition,” the state’s health director Datuk Dr Norhizan Ismail told Bernama. “Three pupils were treated as outpatients at the Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital. The remaining pupils were given home remedies (by their parents).”
It is learnt that the food was ordered from an external caterer for the cross-country run, which saw the participation of 480 Year Three to Year Six students.
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related:
Spate of food poisoning cases
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Spate of NUS molestation cases
Spate of fires linked to charging of PMDs
Spate of maid abuse cases
Spate of Mishaps at crown Jewel
Spate of Scoot 'flight disruptions'
Spate of Indecent Behaviours
Spate of NUS molestation cases
Spate of fires linked to charging of PMDs
Spate of maid abuse cases
Spate of Mishaps at crown Jewel
Spate of Scoot 'flight disruptions'
Spate of Teacher-Student Misconduct
Spate of SingPost 'service failures'
Spate of Data Breaches In Singapore
Spate of Fire break outs
Spate of MOH's slip-ups
Spate of child abuse cases
Spate of molestation and outrage of modesty
Spate of MRT disruptions
Spate of e-bike accidents
Spate of cars flipping over
Spate of vehicles on fire
Spate of facade cladding falling off
Spate of Escalator accidents
Spate of lift accidents
Spate of SingPost 'service failures'
Spate of Data Breaches In Singapore
Spate of Fire break outs
Spate of MOH's slip-ups
Spate of child abuse cases
Spate of molestation and outrage of modesty
Spate of MRT disruptions
Spate of e-bike accidents
Spate of cars flipping over
Spate of vehicles on fire
Spate of facade cladding falling off
Spate of Escalator accidents
Spate of lift accidents
