Angel's Restaurant fined for lapses such as cockroach infestation that led to 19 people falling ill
Another company, Ma Bo (Fried Fish) Lor Mee, also fined for processing and repacking food products without licence
SINGAPORE — Angel's Restaurant, located at Bedok North Street 5, was fined S$3,300 on Wednesday (17 April) for food safety lapses that led to 19 individuals suffering from gastroenteritis after consuming catered food from the eatery.
Singapore Food Agency said in a media release on Wednesday that both the agency and the Ministry of Health (MOH) had received the reports of gastroenteritis in January 2023. None of the affected individuals was hospitalised.
MOH and SFA conducted a joint investigation, and uncovered multiple food safety lapses at the restaurant's premises. These included severe cockroach infestation in food preparation areas, and issues such as peeling wall paint and cracked, discoloured floor tiles.
SFA suspended Angel's Restaurant's business operations from 20 January to 28 February 2023. It was also directed to rectify the lapses and take necessary measures to improve its premises' food safety practices and cleanliness.
Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a fine not exceeding S$2,000. In the event of a continuing offence, additional fines of not exceeding S$100 per day or part thereof may be imposed after conviction.
Another company faces a $2,000 fine
Another company, Ma Bo (Fried Fish) Lor Mee, was fined S$2,000 for processing and repacking food products at an unlicensed premises.
According to SFA, the dried food product supplier's company premises were inspected on 13 October 2023, and were found to have been conducting food processing and repacking activities within the premises without licence.
Approximately 600kg of food products were seized, including pre-packed products, such as cinnamon, premixed flour, rock sugar, soy sauce, processed chilli paste and ground-dried shrimp.
"Illegal food processing and repacking activities at unlicensed facilities poses a food safety risk," SFA said in the media release, adding that all licensed food processing and repacking establishments in Singapore are required to meet SFA's requirements and food safety standards. These licensed establishments are also routinely inspected.
Those convicted of illegally processing and repacking food products face a fine not exceeding S$5,000. In the case of a second or subsequent conviction, the fine can go up to S$10,000, and they may face a jail term not exceeding three months.
SFA advises members of the public who encounter poor hygiene practices or illegal activities in food establishments not to patronise them. They may provide feedback through SFA's online feedback form, including details for follow-up investigations.
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