Yesterday, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said it was notified on Monday of the latest food poisoning incident involving eight children from the Learning Vision's Raffles Place branch at Cecil Street.
Food poisoning affect young kids
This is the third case of food poisoning after the cases at Pat's Schoolhouse, and The Children's Place in Kay Siang Road. According to the MOH, 34 people were hospitalised and 14 have since been discharged.
In the first outbreak at Pat's Schoolhouse on 10 May, children and teachers from six of the group's 14 centres came down with symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and fever. The six centres are in Halifax Road, Lim Ah Pin Road, Whitley Road, Claymore Road, Mount Emily and Jalan Ulu Siglap.
Two days later (12 May), the MOH was notified of food poisoning at The Children's Place at Kay Siang Road. This involved 22 children and eight teachers.
Following the second incident, the MOH and the National Environment Agency said in a joint press statement that the catering company had been fined for lapses in a food poisoning incident last December, when 35 people attending a company function came down with diarrhoea and started vomiting.
The school should actually have done some checks
Mum's Kitchen had put up a notice on its website after the second incident. They apologised to the childcare centres and expressed regret for the victims.
Saying that the incidents were "a major shock" to them, the company said it was cooperating with the authorities. This will ascertain the cause of the incidents. They also stated that they have been working with an independent consultant to review its supply chain procedures. Its staff was also going through a special refresher course on hygiene procedures.
The company added that it has received assurances of continued support from its customers.
Homemaker Karen Liau, felt that the school should not use the vendor again. Her two children experienced diarrhoea and vomiting after returning from Pat's Schoolhouse's Halifax Road branch,
"I think (the school) should actually have done some checks. I'm not sure how they go about selecting vendors like that. Because for kids, their tummies are really sensitive - hygiene is vital," she told MediaCorp.
According to a letter from the school, which has kept in contact with MOH and the Community Development, Youth and Sports Ministry, hygiene practices have been stepped up.
And its spokesperson said: "At the time the caterer was engaged, eight months ago, the caterer had a good track record and registered as a licensed caterer with NEA. Until this incident, we weren't aware of the food poisoning case linked to Mum's Kitchen."
Mum's Kitchen Catering has had its operating licence suspended since last Thursday. The MOH said that investigations are ongoing.
Source: www.todayonline.com
Also read:Food safety for babies: A comprehensive guide for parents