6 people hospitalised after gastroenteritis outbreak at 3 MindChamps preschools

SINGAPORE: Six people were hospitalised following a gastroenteritis outbreak at three MindChamps preschools, authorities said in a news release on Tuesday (May 30).

A total of 89 people - 79 children and 10 staff members - from the preschools at Bishan, Changi Airport and Tanglin reported symptoms of gastroenteritis after consuming food prepared by Nosh Cuisine between May 17 and 29.

Those hospitalised are in stable condition, said the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said in a joint press release. 

The rest sought outpatient treatment, self-medicated or recovered without treatment.

“In view of the suspected ongoing transmission, SFA has suspended the food business operations of Nosh Cuisine … with effect from May 30 until further notice,” MOH, ECDA and SFA said.

The operator is required to clean and sanitise its premises, including equipment and utensils, and dispose all ready-to-eat food and perishable food items.

All food handlers working at the premises must re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 1 and test negative for foodborne pathogens before they can resume work.

The appointed food hygiene officer working at the premises must also re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 3 before resuming work.

SFA reminded food operators to observe good food and personal hygiene practices at all time.

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

It also urged members of the public who come across poor hygiene practices in food establishments not to patronise them, and to report such outlets to SFA.