57 people fell ill after eating food from caterer with dirty ice machine, sole proprietor fined $12,000

The sole proprietor of a catering company was fined $12,000 on March 27 after 57 people fell ill following the consumption of food from the company.

None of them were hospitalised.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) had received reports of gastroenteritis involving the 57 individuals after eating food prepared by LPH Catering in May 2023.

MOH and SFA conducted a joint investigation in the company's premises at 4008 Depot Lane and found multiple food safety lapses such as improper thawing of meat, non-separation of chopping boards for raw and cooked food and a dirty ice machine.

LPH Catering sole proprietor Lee Peng Hwa was fined $12,000 for multiple food safety lapses committed under the Sale of Food (Non-Retail Food Business) Regulations.

Offenders are liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, a further fine not exceeding $100 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.