Singapore
A catering company has been forced to suspend its operations following a recent outbreak of food poisoning. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) announced the suspension of operations by Stamford Catering Services on October 14, 2024, after 51 people fell ill from consuming food provided by the caterer two days earlier.
Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) and SFA have launched an investigation into the incident, which resulted in three cases of gastroenteritis. Fortunately, none of the sickened individuals had to be hospitalized.
This suspension will remain in place, contingent upon the completion of the ongoing investigation and the implementation of necessary remedial measures. During this period, Stamford Catering must adhere to strict conditions set by the SFA, including a thorough cleaning and sanitization of their facilities and equipment.
Additionally, all food handlers employed by Stamford Catering are required to retake and pass Singapore’s Food Safety Course Level 1 and must also test negative for foodborne pathogens before resuming work.
The company’s food hygiene officer is mandated to complete the more advanced Food Safety Course Level 3 before returning to their role.
In a response on social media, Stamford Catering issued a statement acknowledging the situation, emphasizing that they are cooperaing fully with health authorities, and reassuring customers of their commitment to food safety. The company also said they have taken “immediate action” to address the issue.
This isn’t the first time Stamford Catering has faced food safety concerns. In 2019, the company’s food hygiene rating was downgraded to “C” following a similar incident that affected 52 people. Inspections at that time revealed high bacterial contamination and various hygiene lapses.
Vietnam
Food poisoning is suspected in an incident at a high school in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City.
Following the school lunch last Thursday, five students, including one 11th grader and four 12th graders, began experiencing symptoms of severe food poisoning, including stomach pain and vomiting.
Emergency services were called and the students were taken to the city’s general hospital, where they were diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis.
After receiving fluids and medication, the condition of the students stabilized and they were discharged later in the evening.
Taiwan
In the wake of a deadly food poisoning incident in Taiwan this past March previously reported on by Food Poisoning News, families of five of the victims have taken steps to apply for criminal victim compensation. The incident, which occurred at a branch of the Malaysian restaurant chain Polam Koptiam in Taiwan, claimed six lives and has left one more family still contemplating whether to pursue compensation as of October 11.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan has attributed the fatalities to bongkrek acid, a deadly toxin that was found in stool samples and on the hands of the restaurant’s chef. This determination has paved the way for families to seek financial redress, with potential compensation reaching up to NT$1.8 million (approximately USD 56,000) per family.
Aid to the victims’ families has come from the country’s Association for Victims Support, an organization that has been instrumental in providing emergency living assistance and legal guidance to those affected by the incident.
The compensation process has been facilitated by the recent implementation of the new Crime Victim Rights Protection Act, which came into effect in July of last year. This updated legislation has streamlined the compensation procedure with a more efficient social assistance framework, allowing for faster review of applications.
South Africa
LIMPOPO – A suspected case of food poisoning has prompted an investigation by education authorities in South Africa’s Limpopo Province after 35 students of a local primary school were hospitalized last Wednesday.
The incident unfolded when 22 students began showing symptoms of food poisoning and were taken to a local hospital. As the day progressed, another 13 students required medical attention after complaining of headaches and stomach cramps. All affected children were treated and have since been discharged.
In response to the incident, education officials have collected food samples consumed by the affected students, including snacks sold outside the school, for laboratory testing.
Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, the member of the executive council for education in Limpopo, sought to reassure the public, stating, “We call on parents and the education community not to panic as the situation is under control and will be investigated thoroughly to ensure that learners are safe at all times.”
This incident comes amid a concerning trend of food poisoning cases among children in South Africa this year. The Gauteng Department of Health reported in early September that the province had recorded 207 food poisoning cases since February, resulting in 10 fatalities. Last week, five children from the township of Naledi died after eating suspected tainted food and another 74 female students in Johannesburg were temporarily hospitalized after suffering from symptoms of food poisoning.
NALEDI – As previously mentioned and reported on by Food Poisoning News on Monday, five children died last week after consuming allegedly tainted food from a local snack shop.
On Sunday, a six child died at the hospital while receiving treatment for food poisoning in the same incident. Sadly, he passed away on the same day as the other five were laid to rest.
The incident has sparked unrest in the area as locals have placed the blame for the contaminated food on foreign nationals who operate the snack shops. The foreign owners were seen vacating the town as locals began looting the shops in anger.
UMGUNGUNDLOVU – In the wake of increasing food poisoning cases around the country, the mayor of uMgungundlovu is increasing inspections of local food service providers in the area.
The mayor said he believes that improper storage, preparation, and handling of food has contributed to the number of food poisoning incidents. Additionally, standard food safety protocols, such as separating cooked meals from raw food, have not been followed. The mayor called out additional examples found during inspections such as chemicals and pesticides being stored near or under various foods, including snacks for children.
In an effort to strengthen food safety, the local government has been collaborating with various local partners, including immigration authorities, other local municpalities, and the Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (Edtea). These partnerships are part of joint operations aimed at ensuring food safety standards are upheld.
Inspections are carried out at least once a month across different local communities to enforce compliance with food safety regulations. During these inspections, samples of suspicious food items are taken to laboratories for analysis to detect any potential contaminants. Weekly targeted operations also focus on inspecting snack shops within the district, with an emphasis on the safety of the food sold in these stores.
In addition to these initiatives, the mayor has encouraged residents to carefully read food labels before making any purchases. He advised, “Make sure your food products come from reputable suppliers or manufacturers, and avoid overstocking items that may not sell quickly within your community.”
Commenting on this article, one national food poisoning lawyer said, “The consequences for not following food safety rules and regulations can be extremely expensive, often paid in lost lives and financial ruin due to fines and lawsuits. While I encourage consumers to always exercise caution, I also strongly encourage those making or selling food to always take extra care and stringently adhere to safety guidelines.”
