E-Bridge Preschool Gastro Outbreak: SFA Lifts Supplier Suspension
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has lifted the suspension of Middleton International School's food supply contract, allowing the company to resume operations at its central kitchen on 2 Tampines Street 92. This decision comes after a recent gastroenteritis outbreak affected 263 individuals across six E-Bridge pre-schools in Singapore between November 19 and December 10.
The suspension was implemented on November 21 to safeguard public health, as four people were hospitalized, with one being a student. Middleton International School has since taken proactive measures to ensure food safety, including thorough cleaning, sanitization, and disinfection of its premises, equipment, utensils, and food preparation areas.
Additionally, the company's food handlers and hygiene officers have completed and passed their food safety accreditation courses. The SFA will closely monitor Middleton International School's operations to ensure ongoing compliance with food safety regulations.
Gastroenteritis, often referred to as the stomach flu or food poisoning, is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines, resulting in symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. The affected pre-schools were E-Bridge @ Bukit Panjang, E-Bridge @ Canberra, E-Bridge @ Montreal, E-Bridge @ Woodlands Drive, E-Bridge @ 471B Yishun, and E-Bridge @ 504 Yishun.
The SFA emphasizes the importance of maintaining good food and personal hygiene practices among food operators and encourages the public to report any poor hygiene practices in food establishments via the online feedback form available at www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback. Violations of the Environmental Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations can result in fines of up to $2,000.
