Sidecar violated SFA’s licensing conditions with the unauthorised processing and packing of pet food at its premises. – The Straits Times
SINGAPORE: A catering company that supplied meals linked to 37 cases of gastroenteritis at four eldercare centres is among two businesses that have been fined for food safety lapses.
The company, +Robert Catering Services, was fined S$2,100 on July 31, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said on Friday (Aug 2).
The Ministry of Health (MOH) and SFA had received reports of incidents of gastroenteritis on May 18, 2023.
A total of 37 people across four St Luke’s ElderCare Centres were affected. All had eaten catered lunch meals supplied by +Robert Catering Services.
One person was hospitalised and has since been discharged.
“MOH and SFA conducted a joint investigation at +Robert Catering Services’ premises at 5 Kaki Bukit Road 2 on May 19, 2023,” SFA said.
“A total of 12 food samples were collected, of which three were found to have a Bacillus cereus count that had exceeded the limit stipulated in the regulations.”
The three food items were braised tau pok, stir-fry cabbage and stir-fry cabbage with mushroom, carrot and baby corn.
According to the SFA website, Bacillus cereus is a food-borne bacterium that can be found in soil, vegetation and intestinal tracts of insects and mammals. Two main types of Bacillus cereus could pose food safety concerns – one causes diarrhoea and the other causes vomiting.
SFA said food establishments should ensure their premises are clean and well-maintained, as well as adhere to food hygiene and safety requirements.
If convicted, offenders could be fined up to S$10,000, jailed for up to a year, or both.
The other business, Sidecar, was fined S$3,800 on Aug 2 for violating SFA’s licensing conditions with the unauthorised processing and packing of pet food at its premises.
This was discovered by SFA officers during an inspection on Feb 15, 2023. The company was licensed to operate a food processing establishment at its premises.
“SFA found pet food products in the walk-in freezer room, as well as pet food packaging materials such as tubs, lids and glass jars in the dry storage area and office on the premises,” the authority said.
SFA said all operators of food processing and storage establishments must adhere to its licensing conditions. They are responsible for ensuring the hygiene of food products manufactured in the establishment.
“Operators are required to have a good understanding of the specifications and proper application of the food processing equipment used at their premises, as well as the cleaning and sanitation regime to maintain the equipment to ensure the safe processing of food,” it added. – The Straits Times/ANN
