Authorities in Singapore have suspended operations at a food business after it was linked to almost 90 illnesses.
A total of 89 people reported gastroenteritis symptoms after consuming food prepared by Nosh Cuisine Pte between May 17 and 29. Six people were hospitalized and are in stable condition.
Officials didn’t name the agent involved but local media reported some patients had been diagnosed with a Salmonella infection.
The Ministry of Health (MOH), Singapore Food Agency (SFA), and the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) are investigating three outbreaks.
They were reported at MindChamps preschools in Bishan, at Changi Airport and in Tanglin. Overall, 79 children and 10 staff are sick.
Suspension of Nosh Cuisine became effective on May 30 and is in place until further notice. The firm is required to clean and sanitize the premises, including equipment and utensils, and dispose of all ready-to-eat and perishable food items.
All food handlers working in the facility are required to pass a food safety course and test negative for foodborne pathogens, before they can restart work. The appointed food hygiene officer at the site must re-attend and pass a higher level of food safety course before they can resume this role.
Illegal imports
Also in Singapore, ACD Logistics has been fined $18,500 (U.S. $13,700) for illegal import of meat and seafood products from the Philippines.
In September 2021, Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the Changi Airfreight Centre detected a consignment of meat products declared as “assorted foodstuff” imported by ACD Logistics from the Philippines without a valid permit. The case was referred to the Singapore Food Agency for investigation.
SFA found 500-kilograms (1,100 pounds) of meat and seafood products had been illegally imported. The company is only licensed to bring in processed food and food appliances.
In Singapore, food can only be imported by licensed firms, and every consignment must be declared and accompanied with a valid import permit. Meat products can only come from accredited sources in approved countries.
Qing Ye Trading was fined $5,000 (U.S. $3,700) in court for illegally importing fresh produce. Company director Kang Soon Poh was also fined the same amount.
In August 2022, a truck carrying produce consigned to Qing Ye Trading was stopped and checked during a joint operation by the Singapore Food Agency and the ICA. SFA found the company illegally imported 216-kilograms (476 pounds) of undeclared and under-declared fresh fruits and vegetables.
Illegally imported fruit and vegetables of unknown sources can pose a food safety risk, especially if unregulated or high level of pesticides are used, said officials.
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