Deli Hub Catering has been suspended after 53 people at two MOE kindergartens, 51 of them students, fell ill with gastroenteritis symptoms, under a joint release from the Singapore Food Agency, the Communicable Diseases Agency and MOE on Tuesday (27 October). The suspension of the caterer’s premises at 30B Quality Road took effect that day and runs until further notice, with transmission suspected to be ongoing.
Two kindergartens affected
The 51 students and two staff members developed symptoms between 21 and 23 October after eating food supplied by the caterer. They sought outpatient treatment, took their own medication or recovered without treatment. None were hospitalised.
The cases were at MOE Kindergarten @ Springdale at 71 Anchorvale Link in Sengkang and MOE Kindergarten @ Gongshang at 1 Tampines Street 42. MOE is working with the Communicable Diseases Agency, SFA and the kindergartens on the investigation. Deli Hub Catering had been engaged by the Kindergarten Care (KCare) operator at both sites, and the operator has arranged another food supplier.
What the caterer must do
Before it can resume, Deli Hub Catering must clean and sanitise its premises, equipment and utensils. All food workers must re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 1 and test negative for foodborne pathogens.
The appointed food hygiene officer must re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 3 before returning to duty. Both kindergartens have stepped up hygiene and precautionary measures, including thorough cleaning and disinfection of the affected areas.
Fined in 2023
The caterer was fined S$4,000 in September 2023 after 21 people fell ill from its food in 2022. SFA found lapses then that included a dirty freezer, unclean food preparation containers and empty paper towel dispensers.
Members of the public who come across poor food safety practices are advised not to patronise such outlets and to report them through SFA’s online feedback form. SFA warned that it will take firm action against breaches of the Environmental Public Health Act.
