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SINGAPORE \u2013 A total of <\/b>185 people, including 173 pupils, across six pre-schools of the same brand have developed gastroenteritis symptoms and the authorities are investigating.<\/p>\n
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).<\/p>\n
One pupil was hospitalised and is in stable condition. The rest had sought outpatient treatment, self-medicated, or recovered without treatment, said the agencies.<\/p>\n
The agencies are investigating six incidents of gastroenteritis reported at E-Bridge preschools \u2013 E-Bridge @ Bukit Panjang, E-Bridge @ Canberra, E-Bridge @ Montreal, E-Bridge @ Woodlands Drive, E-Bridge @ 471B Yishun and E-Bridge @ 504 Yishun. <\/p>\n
Gastroenteritis, which is a medical condition where the stomach and intestines are inflamed, is commonly known as stomach flu or food poisoning.<\/p>\n
People can get infected through contact with other people, or through contaminated food or water.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
The licensee is required to comply with measures during the suspension, including cleaning and sanitising of the premises, equipment and utensils.<\/p>\n
The agencies added that all food handlers working in the premises are required to re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 1 licensed by SFA, and test negative for foodborne pathogens, before they can resume work as food handlers.<\/p>\n
The appointed food hygiene officer working at the premises must re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 3 before he\/she can resume work as a food hygiene officer.<\/p>\n
The statement added that alternative meal arrangements have been secured to ensure there is no disruption in meal provisions for the children. <\/p>\n
This comes after cases of gastroenteritis in several branches of E-Bridge Pre-School were reported in September and October.<\/p>\n