2 caterers owned by same company fined after 273 people fell ill, food safety lapses found
A total of 273 people fell ill eating food prepared by two catering companies in separate incidents in November 2023. None were hospitalised.
Continental Delight Catering Services and Elsie's Kitchen Catering Services were fined $1,000 and $500 respectively on April 16 for multiple food safety lapses.
Both companies are owned by Hesed & Emet Holdings, which has a central kitchen at 21 Second Chin Bee Road.
In November 2023, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) received reports of gastroenteritis affecting 107 individuals who had consumed food prepared by Continental Delight Catering Services.
MOH and SFA conducted a joint investigation at Continental Delight Catering Services's premises at 21 Second Chin Bee Road #01-02 and found multiple food safety lapses.
They include a damaged hot-holding metal cabinet, which may cause it to be ineffective in maintaining cooked food at a safe temperature, as well as a food sample that failed SFA's food safety tests.
SFA had suspended the licensee's food business operation from Nov 22 to 30, 2023.
The agency also directed the licensee to rectify the lapses and take necessary measures to improve the cleanliness of its premises. The licensee was also required to dispose all cooked food, prepared ingredients, perishable food items and intermediate food products.
In same month, MOH and SFA also received reports of gastroenteritis affecting another 166 individuals who had consumed food prepared by Elsie's Kitchen Catering Services.
MOH and SFA conducted a joint investigation at their premises at 21 Second Chin Bee Road #01-01 and found a food safety lapse of two damaged hot-holding metal cabinets.
SFA said it will not hesitate to take enforcement action against food operators found to be in violation of the Environmental Public Health Act.
Offenders are liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $100 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.
