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SINGAPORE (THE NEW PAPER) – In less than three weeks, Singapore has been hit by a series of mass food poisoning, affecting more than 400 people.
Dr. Chia Shi-Lu, Chairman of the Government's Parliamentary Committee for Health, told The New Paper on Wednesday (November 28) that the scale and proximity (in terms of time) of the incidents could be very serious. indicate something like an insect or a contaminated source.
He added that, even though the investigations were still ongoing and that he could not determine the cause, the fact that there were several incidents despite the stringent standards in terms Food hygiene might indicate that it could be something more disturbing than simple hygiene.
The caterers would probably have also taken precautions after each case.
Thus, thorough investigations are under way to determine the cause in order to be able to treat it appropriately, he added.
The latest incident occurred Monday at a camp organized by Busy Bees Asia.
Kindergarten children 2 and teachers attended the camp. The next day, 131 became ill. None of the victims were hospitalized.
After the incident, the National Environment Agency (NEA) of the Ministry of Health and Food and Veterinary Authorities said in a joint statement that she was investigating on an outbreak of gastroenteritis.
The incident had been attributed to the consumption of food prepared by FoodTalks Caterer and Manufacturer, located at Shimei East Kitchen in Bedok on Monday.
On Tuesday, the authorities carried out a joint inspection of the premises of the caterer. As part of these investigations, food handlers were sent for stool screening and samples of food and the environment were taken for analysis, and were indicated the agencies.
According to TNP, the camp was to last two to three days, but was canceled on the first day due to the incident.
In response to NTP questions, Mr. Ronald Kwong, Director of Operations and Programs at Busy Bees Asia, said the food was prepared by an external caterer.
Busy Bees Asia suspended the camp and reported the incident to the authorities. He will continue to cooperate with the agencies to determine the cause of the incident, he added.
TNP understands that this is not the first time the organization has been serving FoodTalks caterers.
MK F. Seetoh, an expert in local gastronomy, told TNP that food poisoning occurs even in the best restaurants in the world, but that, with diligence and respect for the kitchen, caterers could avoid such cases.
"It is tempting and easy (for kitchen staff) not to wash their hands or sneeze in the kitchen preparation areas, it just requires tighter control and rules that impose harsh penalties. case of the offense. "
He stated that such incidents are serious and may affect a brand, and that personal hygiene must be practiced at all times.
Guidelines and information on food hygiene and consumer safety are available on the NEA website, including information on the safe consumption of processed foods.
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