Bedok restaurant fined $3,300 after 19 people fell ill and cockroach infestation found on premises

A restaurant at Bedok North Street 5 was fined $3,300 on April 17 for food safety lapses committed under the Environmental Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations.

In January 2023, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) received reports of gastroenteritis involving 19 people after consuming catered food prepared by Angel's Restaurant.

None of them was hospitalised.

MOH and SFA conducted a joint investigation at the restaurant's premises and found multiple food safety lapses such as severe cockroach infestation at food preparation areas, peeling wall paint and cracked, discoloured floor tiles.

SFA suspended the restaurant's business operations from Jan 20 to Feb 28, 2023, and directed the restaurant to rectify the lapses and take necessary measures to improve the food safety practices and cleanliness of its premises.

All food operators should ensure their premises are clean and well-maintained as well as adhere to proper food hygiene and food safety requirements.

Offenders are liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $100 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.

Another company was also fined on the same day as Angel's Restaurant.

Ma Bo (Fried Fish) Lor Mee, a dried food products supplier, was fined $2,000 for processing and repacking food products at an unlicensed premises.

On Oct 13, officers from SFA inspected the company's premises and found food processing and repacking activities conducted within the premises. The company is not licensed to conduct any food processing and repacking activities.

Approximately 600kg of food products were seized, including pre-packed products such as cinnamon, premixed flour, rock sugar, soy sauce, processed chili paste, and ground dried shrimp.

Illegal food processing and repacking activities at unlicensed facilities poses a food safety risk. In Singapore, all food processing and repacking establishments must be licensed and are required to meet SFA’s requirements and food safety standards.

These licensed establishments are also routinely inspected by SFA.

Offenders who illegally process and repack food products shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $10,000, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months, or both.