Manna Pot Catering fined S$8,000 for food safety lapses after gastroenteritis incident last year

SINGAPORE: A catering company was fined S$8,000 (US$5,835) on Wednesday (Sept 27) for “multiple food safety lapses” after reports that people who ate food prepared by the company last year suffered from gastrointestinal illnesses inflammation.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said in a press release that a food safety breach at Manna Pot Catering was discovered during a joint investigation conducted by the agency and the Ministry of Health (MOH).

These include poor housekeeping, poor waste management and a dirty kitchen exhaust hood.

The Ministry of Health and the State Forestry Department received reports in May 2022 that 21 people developed gastroenteritis after eating food prepared by the company (located at 1500 Bedok Avenue North).

None of them were hospitalized.

Manna Pot provides catering services for events such as weddings, birthday parties and baby showers, according to its website. They also offer bento (i.e. boxed food) catering services. The court found the company guilty of two counts.

“Food safety is everyone’s shared responsibility, as food can be contaminated anywhere in the food chain,” the State Forestry Administration said.

“While the State Forestry Administration continues to be vigilant and work hard to ensure regulatory measures are in place and properly enforced, industry and consumers must also play their part.”

It added that food businesses should ensure their premises are clean and well maintained and adhere to appropriate food hygiene and food safety requirements.

Those convicted can be fined up to S$5,000, and in the case of a continuing offence, a further fine of up to S$100 for each day or part of the period during which the offense continues after conviction.