Food operations of Middleton International School suspended after 185 fell ill, 1 pre-schooler hospitalised
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has suspended the food business operations of Middleton International School with effect from Nov 21 until further notice.
This followed six incidents of gastroenteritis reported at E-Bridge preschools.
The pre-schools are in Bukit Panjang, Woodlands Drive, Canberra, Montreal Link in Sembawang, at Block 471B Yishun Street 42 and Block 504 Yishun Street 51.
A total of 173 pre-schoolers and 12 staff members were reported to have developed gastroenteritis symptoms after consuming food supplied by Middleton.
One child was hospitalised and is in stable condition. The others had sought outpatient treatment, self-medicated or recovered without treatment.
SFA, the Communicable Diseases Agency and Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), are investigating.
E-Bridge Pre-School posted on social media that it was working with the authorities to support ongoing investigations.
ECDA has engaged the pre-school operators, and they have secured alternative meal arrangements to ensure there is no disruption in meal provisions for the children.
SFA said Middleton is required to comply to measures during the suspension including cleaning and sanitising of the premises, equipment and utensils.
All food handlers working in the premises are required to re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 1 and test negative for foodborne pathogens, before they can resume work as food handlers.
The appointed food hygiene officer working at the premises must re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 3 before he or she can resume work as a food hygiene officer.
