187 cases of ready-to-eat gastroenteritis in Singapore

The Minister for Sustainability and the Environment of Singapore, Grace Fu, has indicated that 187 instances of gastroenteritis have been identified in connection with ready-to-eat (RTE) meals distributed as part of the Total Defence Day initiative. Of these instances, 184 were reported in schools, two in active ageing centres, and one in a public agency. Ms. Fu stated that the affected individuals received suitable medical care, did not require hospitalisation, and have since completely recovered. Government agencies temporarily halted the RTE distribution, initially planned for 15 to 28 February, on 20 February, pending the conclusion of investigations by the relevant health authorities. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) gathered meal samples for microbiological analysis. Ms. Fu reported that these tests have not identified any food-borne pathogens. Previous cases of food poisoning had occurred at the School of the Arts (SOTA), after the consumption of RTE meals, resulting in 20 students exhibiting symptoms of gastroenteritis. According to health authorities, preliminary findings suggested that this was an ‘isolated incident,’ as stated by Ms. Fu during the parliamentary hearing concerning the SOTA case.