Manna Pot Catering fined $8,000 after 21 people fell ill, multiple hygiene lapses found

Manna Pot Catering was fined $8,000 on Wednesday (Sept 27) for multiple food safety lapses, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said in a joint statement.

In May 2022, the agencies received reports of gastroenteritis involving 21 people who had consumed food prepared by the establishment. Fortunately, none of the affected individuals required hospitalisation.

The business, which is located at Unit 04-16 in Bedok Food City, has more than 5,900 Instagram followers,

MOH and SFA conducted a joint investigation at the premises and discovered multiple food safety lapses, including poor housekeeping, inadequate refuse management, and a dirty kitchen exhaust hood.

The agencies stressed that food safety is a joint responsibility and can be compromised anywhere along the food chain. While SFA continues to enforce regulatory measures vigilantly, the food industry and consumers must also play an active role.

Food establishments are urged to ensure their premises are clean and well-maintained, and to adhere to proper food hygiene and safety requirements. SFA warned that it would take enforcement action against food operators who fail to comply with food safety regulations.

Businesses which do not adhere to food safety regulations are liable to a fine of up to $5,000 and an additional fine not exceeding $100 for each day the offence continues after the conviction.

The public is advised against patronising food establishments with poor hygiene practices. They are encouraged to provide feedback on such establishments via the SFA's online feedback form for follow-up investigations.

The SFA is committed to ensuring that all food establishments in Singapore adhere to the highest standards of food safety and hygiene to protect the health of consumers.