SINGAPORE — Caterer Chilli Api, which was ordered to suspend operations on March 14 after more than 100 people fell ill having eaten its food, was on Friday (April 30) allowed to resume its business.

The investigation into the cause of the gastroenteritis illness is still ongoing in the meantime, the authorities said.

In a joint statement, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) said that the caterer has put in place measures that had been specified by SFA.

The Peranakan food caterer will continue to be under “close surveillance” to ensure that it keeps to food safety requirements, the authorities said.

In December 2018, 24 people reported gastroenteritis symptoms after consuming food provided by Chilli Api Catering, which is located at Shimei East Kitchen on Bedok North Street 5.

In 2019, SFA downgraded its food hygiene ratings from “A” to “C”.

In the latest case, 129 people had developed gastroenteritis symptoms after consuming food prepared by the caterer between March 10 and 13.

Of those who fell ill, 23 were hospitalised but have since been discharged. 

Gastroenteritis, which is commonly associated with food poisoning or “stomach flu”, is the inflammation of the stomach or the intestines, with sufferers having symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting.

During its suspension, food handlers from Chilli Api Catering were made to re-attend and pass an SFA-recognised Basic Food Hygiene course.  

The caterer’s appointed food hygiene officers, who are typically senior staff members, also had to sit through and pass an SFA-recognised Workforce Skills Qualifications Conduct Food and Beverage Hygiene Audit course again. 

Chilli Api Catering has disposed of all its ready-to-eat, thawed food and perishable food, the authorities said. It has also cleaned and sanitised its premises, equipment and utensils.

SFA and MOH advised members of the public to practise good personal hygiene at all times.

This includes 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 report to SFA at www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback with details that the food agency may use in follow-up investigations.