SINGAPORE — Two caterers here have had their licences suspended after a total of 39 people were hit with gastroenteritis in two separate incidents.

In a joint press release on Wednesday (Sept 11), the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said that the incidents — which involved food prepared by Mum’s Kitchen Catering and Cherish Delights — occurred on Aug 31 and Sept 2.

Of the 39 people who had symptoms of food poisoning, three were hospitalised. Two of them have since been discharged, while the remaining person is in a stable condition in hospital, the statement said.

In view of the gastroenteritis cases, the SFA has suspended the licence of Mum’s Kitchen Catering from Sept 10, and Cherish Delights from Sept 11, until further notice in both cases.

The companies operate from Shimei East Kitchen, a six-storey industrial complex for food-related trades, located in Bedok North.

All food handlers working in the suspended premises are required to re-attend and pass the Basic Food Hygiene Course, before they can resume work as food handlers, the health authorities said.

The appointed food hygiene officers working at the suspended premises are also required to re-attend and pass the Food Hygiene Officer course before they can resume work.

The suspended premises have been ordered to clean and sanitise the premises, including equipment and utensils, the MOH and SFA in its joint press release.

The SFA added that food safety is a joint responsibility and reminded operators to observe good food and personal hygiene practices at all times.

“SFA will not hesitate to take firm action against anyone found to be in violation of the Environmental Public Health Act,” it said.

This is not the first time that food prepared at the Shimei East Kitchen industrial complex has caused consumers to suffer bouts of gastroenteritis.

In December last year, 24 people reported gastroenteritis symptoms after consuming food provided by Chilli Api Catering at Shimei East Kitchen.

And in a major food poisoning case in November last year, 131 people at a learning camp — including kindergarten students and teachers — were hit by gastroenteritis after consuming food prepared by FoodTalks Caterer and Manufacturer.

The caterer is also located at Shimei East Kitchen.