12 suffer food poisoning after eating at same restaurant in Geylang
By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 11 April 2009 2112 hrs

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SINGAPORE: There has been another case of mass food poisoning, also in the Geylang area.

The Health Ministry said it was notified on Saturday of 12 cases - all of whom ate at a steamboat restaurant BaShu RenJia at 233 Lorong 9, Geylang Road on Friday evening.

All were treated as outpatients. One patient who was supposed to be hospitalised went home to recuperate.

The ministry and the National Environment Agency (NEA) are investigating the incident.

Meanwhile, for the Geylang Serai rojak case, three patients are still recovering in hospital.

Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, speaking at a community event in Marine Parade, said three parties will have to play their part to prevent a recurrence of such a problem.

Welcoming new residents in his constituency, Mr Goh spoke about the need to build a more gracious society.

Using a slide show to explain inconsiderate behaviour, he pointed out how each person needs to play his part for more gracious living - even linking this to the recent outbreak of mass food poisoning in Geylang Serai.

"We all know that food establishments are very important for our own health. Most of us eat outside very regularly, so hygiene in public places like food stalls is very important," said Mr Goh.

The big question now, though, is how to prevent a recurrence of such an incident. For this, Mr Goh said three parties have to play their parts.

He said: "The government must have the responsibility of reinforcing measures to ensure that eating establishments outside are kept to a higher standard of cleanliness. We do this through measures, through regular inspections and enforce those measures on the people who sell us food."

The second group of people whom Mr Goh said have to play their part are hawkers and food handlers. They have to practise proper food hygiene.

One idea he suggested was the use of hand sanitisers used widely in hospitals.

Mr Goh suggested hawkers might want to use sanitisers regularly to keep their hands clean when handling food.

The third group of people whom Mr Goh said have a part to play in preventing food poisoning is the average Singaporean, who has to practise proper personal hygiene not just at home but also in public places.

- CNA/ir