On 3 December 2020, Spize Pte Ltd (“Spize”) and Spize Events Pte Ltd (“Spize Events”) were convicted of 14 offences in relation to the 2018 Spize food poisoning incident and sentenced to a global fine of S$32,000.
For the charge of possession of food unfit for human consumption relating to the food supplied by Spize to Brink’s Singapore Pte Ltd (“Brink’s”), the Attorney General’s Chambers (“AGC”) sought the maximum prescribed penalty of S$10,000 fine for the offence.
The Court sentenced Spize accordingly.
2 On 6 November 2018, food contaminated with Salmonella was supplied by Spize to Brink’s for a company event.
A total of 96 persons consumed the food in 88 bento sets delivered. 63 of them developed gastroenteritis symptoms after consuming the food, of which 45 were hospitalised.
One person, Mr Mohamad Fadli Bin Mohd Saleh (“Mr Mohamad Fadli”), an Auxiliary Police Officer attached to Brink’s, consumed the food on 6 November 2018 and lost his life eight days later on 14 November 2018 due to sepsis and multiorgan failure following acute gastroenteritis.
The operating licences of Spize and Spize Events were cancelled on 6 December 2018. Spize and Spize Events were subsequently charged in court for serious violations of the Environmental Public Health Act.
3 However, there was insufficient evidence to link Mr Mohamad Fadli’s death to the negligence of any particular individual. As a result, no charges were preferred against any individual.
4 The Singapore Food Agency (“SFA”) conducts regular inspections of food retail outlets and will take strict enforcement action against food operators who fail to comply with food safety regulations.
5 While SFA continues to maintain a strict stance on food safety and ensure compliance from the food operators, the food industry must also do their part. Food operators play a critical role in upholding public health and safety, and must ensure that food safety regulations are adhered to at all times. This includes having the necessary infrastructure and trained expertise to ensure safe food preparation, handling and sale of food.
ATTORNEY-GENERAL’S CHAMBERS
MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS UNIT
For the official Press Release, click HERE.
