SINGAPORE — Catering firm Taj Catering, whose licence was suspended last month when several people fell ill after eating its food, has been given the green light to resume operations after the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) lifted its suspension.

In a media statement on Friday (Dec 13), the SFA and the Ministry of Health (MOH) said M/S Singapore Fast Food, which trades as Taj Catering, has implemented measures that had been stipulated by the food agency.

Taj Catering had its licence suspended on Nov 7 after several hygiene lapses were detected during a joint investigation of its premises by the MOH and the SFA on Nov 6.

The joint investigation came about after the authorities were notified of an incident of gastroenteritis involving seven people who had consumed food from Taj Catering on Nov 2, which had resulted in one hospitalisation case, the statement said.

During the joint investigation conducted at Taj Catering’s premises, the authorities detected several hygiene lapses, which included:

• Poor housekeeping of the premises, where rodent droppings and food scraps were found in several areas of the kitchen

• Improper thawing of meat

• Improper storage of non-food items in the dry store

• Knives meant for both raw and ready-to-eat food were stored together

• Freezers were found to be dirty and maintained at an incorrect temperature

• An inaccurate infrared thermometer was used to measure the temperature of chillers.

As a result, the company’s operating licence was suspended by the SFA from Nov 7 to Dec 13. Taj Catering is owned by M/S Singapore Fast Food Pte Ltd and located at 171 Kampong Ampat in MacPherson. 

MEASURES TAKEN TO RECTIFY LAPSES

In the media statement, the SFA and the MOH said the steps Taj Catering had complied with included disposing of all of its ready-to-eat food, thawed food and perishable food items.

It was also required to clean and sanitise its premises, including all equipment and utensils.

Taj Catering had to also submit its plans on enhanced food safety regimes, including plans for rodent control and food process flow to ensure that its staff practise good food hygiene and proper food preparation at all times.

Staff involved in food preparation have since re-attended and passed the basic food hygiene course, while its food hygiene officer has also undergone retraining and passed the Workforce Skills Qualifications Conduct Food and Beverage Hygiene Audit course.

CONTINUED SURVEILLANCE

The SFA said that it will be taking enforcement action against Taj Catering for the lapses.

The food agency added that it will continue to place the company under close surveillance to ensure that it adheres to the measures that it submitted in its plans.

FOOD SAFETY HABITS

The SFA and the MOH advised members of the public to seek medical attention early if they experience any gastroenteritis symptoms.

They should also practise good personal hygiene at all times, including washing their hands with soap and water before eating and after going to the toilet, covering their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and sneezing, and throwing the tissue in a bin immediately.

Members of the public are also advised to not share their food and drinks, eating utensils, toothbrushes or towels with others.

Those who come across poor hygiene practices in food establishments are also advised not to patronise such outlets but to contact the SFA at 6805 2871 with details that the food agency can use in follow-up investigations.