Goodwood Park Hotel’s bakery licence suspended after food poisoning
Goodwood Park Hotel's durian puffs. Photo: Goodwood Park Hotel/Facebook
SINGAPORE — Goodwood Park Hotel’s bakery — famed for its durian pastries — has been ordered to stop operating, after 76 cases of food poisoning linked to the consumption of durian pastries were reported to the authorities.
The hotel, which was found to have lapses in its food handling processes, has been told by the National Environment Agency (NEA) to cease the production, sale and distribution of all pastries that have been prepared by the bakery. All pastries that have been prepared would have to be disposed of.
The first instance of food poisoning was reported on March 15, prompting investigations by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the NEA. A second case was reported on April 4.
When more cases emerged, the NEA, MOH and the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) conducted a joint investigation on April 13 and found lapses in food handling at the hotel.
However, the premises were found to be clean and there were no signs of pest activity and hygiene lapses, said the agencies in a joint statement released on Friday (April 22).
The AVA also conducted checks at the suppliers of food ingredients to the hotel, but found no safety lapses at the suppliers’ establishments. It also said that there have not been any other complaints of food poisoning from other establishments that used the durian pulp from the same supplier.
Seventy-six cases have been reported as of Thursday. The authorities did not say when the bakery can reopen.
Goodwood Park Hotel will be required to clean and sanitise the bakery, including all equipment, utensils, work surfaces and toilets. It will also need to review and rectify the lapses in food preparation processes that had been identified during the joint inspections.
All food handlers at the bakery are also required to re-attend and pass the Basic Food Hygiene Course before they can resume work at the bakery when it reopens.
The MOH said that stool samples have been collected from those affected and from food handlers, and only those found to be medically fit will be allowed to resume work after getting medical clearance from the ministry.
The NEA said that it will take any necessary action against the hotel if hygiene infringements were found.
Both the MOH and the NEA are closely monitoring the situation.
