Masakan Shaik Sabri Pte Ltd was fined $10,000 by the Court today for food safety lapses under the Environmental Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations.
2 In April 2023, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) received reports of gastroenteritis involving 83 individuals after consuming catered food prepared by the SFA-licensed caterer, located at 3015 Bedok North Street 5, #05-19 Shimei East Kitchen Singapore 486350. None were hospitalised.
3 MOH and SFA conducted a joint investigation at the licensee’s premises and found multiple food safety lapses. These include cockroach infestation at the food preparation area, poor housekeeping, and unclean premises. In the interest of public health, SFA suspended the caterer’s food business operation from 4 May 2023 to 22 June 2023. SFA also directed the licensee to rectify the lapses and take necessary measures to improve the cleanliness of its premises. The licensee was also required to dispose all ready-to-eat food, prepared ingredients, perishable food items and intermediate food products.
Cockroach infestation and unclean premises (Photos: SFA)
4 Food can be contaminated anywhere along the food chain. While SFA continues to be vigilant and works to ensure regulatory measures are in place and properly enforced, the industry and consumers must also play their part.
5 All food operators should ensure their premises are clean and well maintained, as well as adhere to proper food hygiene and food safety requirements. SFA will not hesitate to take enforcement action against food operators found to be in violation of the Environmental Public Health Act. Offenders are liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $2,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $100 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.
6 Food safety is a joint responsibility. Members of the public who come across poor hygiene practices or illegal activities in food establishments are advised not to patronise them and provide feedback via our online feedback form (www.sfa.gov.sg/feedback) with details for our follow-up investigations.
