Food poisoning incident at Singapore Sports School

08 Nov 2010

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and National Environment Agency (NEA) are investigating into a food poisoning incident involving a licensed caterer, ISS Catering Services Pte Ltd operating at Singapore Sports School, that was notified to the authorities on 4 November.

To date, a total of 106 cases have been notified to MOH. All the cases, including 11 who needed outpatient treatment, have since recovered. None of the affected cases required hospitalisation. These cases had onset of illness between 1st and 3rd Nov 2010. The main symptoms experienced by cases were diarrhoea, abdominal pain, headache and nausea. No new cases were reported as of 4 Nov 2010.

MOH, NEA and PUB conducted joint inspections at the school on 4 Nov 2010.  PUB has confirmed that the potable water supply to the canteen is safe for consumption. A total of 38 food samples and 10 environmental swabs were taken and sent to the laboratory for microbial analysis.  15 food handlers were also referred for screening for food-borne pathogens. Epidemiological investigations are on-going.

As a precautionary measure, the canteen operator, ISS Catering Services Pte Ltd, was required to clean up the food preparation and refreshment areas of the canteen. MOH has advised the school to be alert to new cases and to ensure high standards of hygiene among students, staff and food handlers.  NEA will continue to work with the school to monitor the hygiene situation at the canteen closely.

Public urged to be vigilant against food poisoning/diarrhoeal illnesses

The public is advised to observe good food and personal hygiene practices at all times when preparing and consuming food.

The following are some simple steps to reduce the occurrence of food poisoning:

• Wash your hands frequently, especially after toilet visits and before eating or preparing food.

• Wash fruits and vegetables carefully before eating them.

• Flush or discard any vomitus and/or stool in the toilet and make sure that the surrounding area is kept clean.

• Persons who are ill with vomiting and diarrhoea should not prepare food while they have symptoms and for three days after they recover from their illness. Food that may have been contaminated by an ill person should be disposed of properly.

More information on food poisoning and how you can prevent it to protect yourself and your family is available at MOH’s website (www.moh.gov.sg). For health related queries, members of the public can also contact MOH at 1800-2254122. For feedback on any hygiene lapses, the public may contact NEA at their 24-hr hotline 1800-2255 632.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AGENCY