Spize Bedok Pte. Ltd. and Spize Concepts Pte. Ltd, were fined $3,600 each by the court today for food safety lapses committed under the Environmental Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations.
2 In July 2022, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) received reports of gastroenteritis involving 15 persons after consuming food prepared by Spize’s food establishments, located along Bedok Road. None of them were hospitalised.
3 A joint investigation by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and SFA was conducted. Multiple food safety lapses were found at the western food stall located at 336/338 Bedok Road (licensed under Spize Bedok Pte Ltd).
These include improper segregation of raw and cooked food at the serving station of the western food stall, and the use of a stained chopping board for cooked food. Other food safety lapses were also found at the foodshop located at 284 Bedok Road (licensed under Spize Concepts Pte Ltd), including the failure to provide hand soap in the kitchen toilet and the unauthorised use of the premises for food processing.
4 In the interest of public health, SFA directed Spize Bedok Pte. Ltd. and Spize Concepts Pte. Ltd to rectify the lapses and take necessary measures to improve the food safety practices and the cleanliness of its premises. SFA has also adjusted food hygiene grades of the western food stall at 336/338 Bedok Road and food shop at 284 Bedok Road from “A” to “C”.
5 Food safety is a joint responsibility as food can be contaminated anywhere along the food chain. 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.
6 All food operators should ensure that their premises are clean and well-maintained, and staff are adequately trained on proper food safety management. SFA will not hesitate to take firm action against anyone 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.
7 Members of the public who come across poor hygiene practices 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.
Issued by the Singapore Food Agency
15 November 2023
