Food caterer fined $6k after 92 people fall sick, cockroach and rodent infestations found

A food caterer was fined $6,00 for numerous hygiene offences after 92 people fell sick, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said in a statement.

The SFA and Ministry of Health (MOH) received reports of three separate incidents of gastroenteritis involving 92 people between Sept 20 and Mar 11.

The cases were traced to food supplied by KG Catering. No one was hospitalised.

SFA and MOH officers conducted joint inspections at their premises on three occasions and found multiple food safety lapses, including cockroach and rodent infestations, improper storage of food and poorly maintained premises.

In the interest of public health, SFA suspended the food business operations of KG Catering from Nov 9, 2022 to Feb 1, 2023 and directed the licensee to rectify the lapses and take necessary measures to improve the food safety practices and cleanliness of its premises.

The suspension was lifted after the caterer rectified the lapses.

SFA said: "Food safety is a joint responsibility as food can be contaminated anywhere along the food chain. 

"While SFA continues to be vigilant and works to ensure that regulatory measures are in place and properly enforced, the industry and consumers must also play their part."

SFA added that all food establishments should ensure their premises are clean and well-maintained. They should also adhere to proper food hygiene and food safety requirements.

Those found to have violated the Environmental Public Health Act may be fined up to $2,000. In the case of a continuing offence, they can be further fined up to $100 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.

Those who come across poor hygiene practices in food establishments are advised not to patronise them, and instead provide feedback via www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback with details for investigations.