Culture & Entertainment · Singapore Bureau
Caterer Gourmetz fined S$13,000 over River Valley school gastroenteritis
Food safety authorities have imposed a S$13,000 penalty on catering company Gourmetz following a gastroenteritis outbreak that affected 60 students at River Valley Primary School in January.
LSN Singapore ·
The National Environment Agency (NEA) issued the fine to Gourmetz for multiple breaches of food safety regulations linked to the incident. The outbreak, which occurred in early January, resulted in a significant number of primary school students falling ill, prompting an investigation into the school's food handling and preparation practices.
The regulatory action against Gourmetz follows a comprehensive review of the catering operations at the school. Authorities identified several violations of food safety standards that contributed to the outbreak, including lapses in hygiene protocols and food storage procedures.
The incident highlighted the importance of stringent food safety measures in educational institutions, where large numbers of vulnerable populations including children are regularly served meals. Schools across Singapore rely on approved catering contractors to maintain strict standards to prevent such health incidents.
Gourmetz's fine comes as part of ongoing efforts by authorities to enforce compliance with food safety regulations. The case underscores regulators' commitment to investigating foodborne illness outbreaks and holding service providers accountable for breaches that endanger public health.