Nearly 200 people have fallen ill in Singapore, prompting authorities to suspend operations at a catering provider.
The Communicable Diseases Agency, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the Early Childhood Development Agency are investigating six cases of gastroenteritis reported at E-Bridge pre-schools.
A total of 185 people, including 173 students and 12 staff, developed symptoms after consuming food provided by Middleton International School Pte. One student was hospitalized and is in stable condition.
The SFA has suspended Middleton International School's food business until further notice. The company must comply with the conditions of the suspension, including cleaning and disinfection of premises, equipment and utensils.
All food workers must retake a Level 1 food safety course and test negative for foodborne pathogens before they can return to work. The designated food hygienist must re-take the Level 3 food safety training course before they can resume work.
The operator of the preschool provided alternative arrangements to ensure that there were no disruptions to the children's meals. All affected facilities were transferred to SATS Food Services.
E-Bridge Nursery first raised the disease alarm in early October. Norovirus has been identified as the cause of some infections.
“We understand the concerns raised in light of recent cases of gastroenteritis reported at some E-Bridge centres. We are taking a comprehensive and proactive approach to improving safety in food handling, food delivery, health monitoring and hygiene practices.”
Increased frequency of cleaning and disinfection of high-touch areas. Food handling procedures, including temperature checks, storage processes and food distribution procedures, have also been strengthened.
Earlier in November, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong officially launched the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA), which falls under the Ministry of Health (MOH). The CDA is Singapore's public health agency tasked with protecting the nation from infectious diseases.
The CDA brings together public health and scientific expertise, operational and policy capabilities, and the oversight and analytical skills and systems of the Department of Health, the National Center for Communicable Diseases and the Health Promotion Council. The agency began operating in April.
