MOH and NEA investigating suspected food poisoning outbreaks at functions held at Intercontinental Hotel

Restaurant supplying food to five functions where the outbreaks occurred has been suspended

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and National Environment Agency (NEA) are investigating five incidents of suspected food poisoning at the Intercontinental Hotel. The five incidents occurred during wedding and company functions held in late December 2012. The common food source for all five functions was the hotel’s Man Fu Yuan Restaurant. This Restaurant provides the Chinese banquet meals for functions held in the hotel.

2 The first incident was reported to the authorities on 29 Dec 2012 and the second was reported on 1 Jan 2013. The other three incidents were detected through subsequent investigations by the authorities. To date, there are over 200 cases reportedly affected. The cases sought outpatient treatment and none were hospitalised. The main symptoms experienced by the cases were diarrhoea, vomiting and fever.

3 Since notification, MOH and NEA have conducted three joint inspections at the premises which served the five functions. Epidemiological investigations are on-going. The rest of the restaurants and kitchens serving food at the hotel are also being inspected as a precautionary measure.

4 In view of the reported incidents and in the interest of public safety, NEA has suspended the operations of Man Fu Yuan restaurant from 3 Jan 2013. Other food outlets at the hotel which were not linked to the food poisoning incidents have been allowed to continue operating.

5 The suspension of the Man Fu Yuan restaurant will be lifted when the authorities can establish that there is no further risk of transmission to members of the public and hotel guests. NEA will work with the operator to review the food preparation processes, its food supply chain, as well as food handling practices of its food handlers.

6 For health related queries, members of the public can contact MOH at 1800-2254122. For feedback on any hygiene lapses, the public may contact NEA at the 24-hr hotline 1800-2255 632.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AGENCY

3 JANUARY 2013