Food Poisoning Cases at SOTA Linked to Ready-to-Eat Meals: Investigation Underway
Several students from the School of the Arts (SOTA) have reported symptoms of food poisoning after consuming ready-to-eat (RTE) meals distributed during a national preparedness exercise. The meals, produced by SATS, were part of the Exercise SG Ready initiative aimed at strengthening food resilience.
Incident Overview
On 19 February 2024, SOTA reported that approximately 20 students experienced symptoms including nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting after consuming the meals on 18 February. Vice-principal Ann Tan advised parents and students that investigations are underway in collaboration with the relevant authorities.
Quick Action Taken
- Students were instructed to return any unconsumed RTE meals to the school’s general office.
- Those feeling unwell were encouraged to seek medical attention and inform their class mentors.
Details of the Meals
The meals in question were part of a food resilience initiative orchestrated by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA). Each meal is designed for public consumption during national emergencies and can be stored at room temperature for up to eight months.
- Meal options included:
- Chicken Bolognese Pasta
- Curry Chicken Biryani
- Fish Porridge with Sweet Potato and Pumpkin
- Sweet Spicy Tomato Fish with Basmati Rice
- Vegetable Marinara Pasta
Safety Precautions and Future Measures
In response to the incident, SFA and the Ministry of Education (MOE) are implementing additional safety measures, including replacing meals from the same batch and reinforcing food safety practices in schools.
So far, no cases of food poisoning have been reported at other participating schools or venues. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely.
The Bigger Picture
Exercise SG Ready aims to prepare the community for possible crises, ensuring Singapore’s food resilience and safety. In this iteration, over 100,000 meals were set to be distributed across more than 90 schools and 8,000 seniors in Active Ageing Centres.
Though it’s always a cause for concern when safety is compromised, the swift action by SOTA and cooperating authorities highlights the importance of vigilance in food safety.