The Singapore Food Agency (SFA), Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), and the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) are currently investigating an outbreak of gastroenteritis that has affected 185 individuals across six E-Bridge pre-schools.
Affected Schools and Numbers
This incident involves a total of 173 students and 12 staff members who showed symptoms after consuming food from the same caterer. The affected locations include:
- Bukit Panjang
- Canberra
- Montreal
- Woodlands Drive
- Block 471B Yishun Street 42
- Block 504 Yishun Street 51
One student was hospitalised but is now in stable condition. Others have either self-medicated or recovered without treatment.
Action Taken Against Caterer
In response to the outbreak, SFA has suspended operations of Middleton International School Ltd, the caterer involved, effective from 21 November 2024. During this suspension, the licensee must:
- Clean and sanitise premises, equipment, and utensils.
- Ensure food handlers re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 1.
- Confirm food hygiene officers pass the Food Safety Course Level 3 before resuming duties.
Public Health Notice
The authorities emphasised the importance of food safety and hygiene, urging food operators to maintain high standards. They stated, “SFA will not hesitate to take firm action against anyone found to be in violation of the Environmental Public Health Act.”
Members of the public are encouraged to report poor hygiene practices at food establishments via SFA’s online feedback form.
Previous Incidents
This isn’t the first instance of gastroenteritis at E-Bridge pre-schools. There was a similar outbreak affecting 44 individuals between 18 September and 1 October 2024, predominantly in Dawson and Sengkang Square.