Lifting of suspension of Peach Garden Pte Ltd at 301 Upper Thomson Road #01-87/88, Singapore 574408

          The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has lifted the suspension of Peach Garden Pte Ltd located at 301 Upper Thomson Road #01-87/88, Singapore 574408 today. As the licensee has implemented the required measures as stipulated by SFA, operations can be resumed.

2        The Ministry of Health and SFA received reports of gastroenteritis involving 58 persons after consuming food prepared by Peach Garden Pte Ltd at the abovementioned premises between 17 and 21 April 2024. Two were hospitalised and have been discharged. To protect consumers from further public health risks, the food business operations of Peach Garden Pte Ltd was suspended by SFA since 22 April 2024 and the suspension was lifted on 20 May 2024.

Measures taken by Peach Garden Pte Ltd

3        During the suspension period, Peach Garden Pte Ltd has complied with measures stipulated by SFA. The company has disposed all ready-to eat food, thawed food and perishable food items, and cleaned and sanitised their premises, including equipment and utensils, and disinfected food preparation surfaces, tables and floors. Food handlers have re-attended and passed the Food Safety Course Level 1, and the Food Hygiene Officers have re-attended and passed the WSQ Conduct Food & Beverage Hygiene Audit course.

4         Peach Garden Pte Ltd has also taken additional steps, such as replacing their ice machine, steamer and light cover.

Continuing surveillance and enforcement

5        Following the lifting of suspension, SFA will continue to place Peach Garden Pte Ltd under close surveillance to ensure that it adheres to food safety requirements.

6        SFA is considering the findings from the investigations into the outbreak of gastroenteritis and will not hesitate to take enforcement action if Peach Garden Pte Ltd is found to have violated the Environmental Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations. Offenders are liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $100 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction. Food safety is a joint responsibility, and SFA would like to remind food operators to observe good food and personal hygiene practices at all times.

Public advisory

7        In the interest of maintaining a high standard of food hygiene across all food establishments, we would also like to advise members of the public who come across poor hygiene practices in food establishments not to patronise such establishments but to report to SFA via the online feedback form (www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback) with details for our follow-up investigations.

8        To prevent the spread of disease and protect oneself from acquiring infections, individuals should practise good personal hygiene at all times. These include:

          • Washing hands with soap and water before eating and after going to the toilet;

          • Covering mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and throwing the tissue away into a bin immediately; and

          • Not sharing food/drinks, eating utensils, toothbrushes or towels with others

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND THE SINGAPORE FOOD AGENCY

21 May 2024