SINGAPORE – A total of 185 people, including 173 pupils, across six pre-schools of the same brand have developed gastroenteritis symptoms and the authorities are investigating.
As at Nov 21, 173 pupils and 12 employees were reported to have developed gastroenteritis symptoms after consuming food supplied by Middleton International School, according to a joint media reply by the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA), Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA).
One pupil was hospitalised and is in stable condition. The rest had sought outpatient treatment, self-medicated, or recovered without treatment, said the agencies.
The agencies are investigating six incidents of gastroenteritis reported at E-Bridge preschools – E-Bridge @ Bukit Panjang, E-Bridge @ Canberra, E-Bridge @ Montreal, E-Bridge @ Woodlands Drive, E-Bridge @ 471B Yishun and E-Bridge @ 504 Yishun.
Gastroenteritis, which is a medical condition where the stomach and intestines are inflamed, is commonly known as stomach flu or food poisoning.
People can get infected through contact with other people, or through contaminated food or water.
In view of the incident, SFA has suspended the food business operations of Middleton International School located in Tampines with effect from Nov 21 until further notice.
The licensee is required to comply with measures during the suspension, including cleaning and sanitising of the premises, equipment and utensils.
