SINGAPORE: Two companies owned by homegrown eatery Spize were fined S$3,600 (US$2,670) each on Wednesday (Nov 15) for committing food safety lapses that led to 15 cases of gastroenteritis in July 2022.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) received reports of gastroenteritis cases in July 2022, involving 15 people who consumed food prepared by Spize’s food establishments located along Bedok Road.
Spize Bedok and Spize Concepts were both directed to rectify the lapses and take necessary measures to improve the food safety practices and the cleanliness of its premises, SFA said in a news release.
It also adjusted the food hygiene grades of the western food stall at 336/338 Bedok Road and the food shop at 284 Bedok Road from “A” to “C”.
SFA and the Ministry of Health (MOH) conducted a joint investigation, during which they found multiple food safety lapses at both locations.
Lapses found at the western food stall – which was licensed under Spize Bedok – included improper segregation of raw and cooked food at the serving station, as well as the use of a stained chopping board for cooked food.
Other food safety lapses were also found at the food shop, which was licensed under Spize Concepts. These include the failure to provide hand soap in the kitchen toilet and the unauthorised use of the premises for food processing.
PREVIOUS CASES
The cases in July 2022 were not the first instances of a food hygiene lapse by Spize. In 2018, 63 people fell ill after eating food catered by Spize for a company event, with 45 being hospitalised. A man later died from sepsis and multi-organ failure following acute gastroenteritis.
As a result, Spize Restaurant lost its River Valley Road outlet licence in December 2018, and Spize and related company Spize Events were fined S$32,000 in December 2020 over the incident.
“Food safety is a joint responsibility as food can be contaminated anywhere along the food chain,” SFA said.
“While SFA continues to be vigilant and works to ensure that regulatory measures are in place and properly enforced, the industry and consumers must also play their part.”
It added that all food operators should ensure that their premises are clean and well-maintained, and staff are adequately trained on proper food safety management.
If convicted, offenders are liable to a fine of up to S$2,000 and, in the cast of a continuing offence, a further fine of up to S$100 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.