Peach Garden Restaurant in Singapore Suspended After 43 Diners Contract Gastroenteritis

The Peach Garden restaurant at Thomson Plaza in Singapore has been suspended by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) after 43 individuals contracted gastroenteritis symptoms between April 17 and 18, 2024. The SFA and the Ministry of Health (MOH) are investigating eight incidents of gastroenteritis affecting the diners who consumed food prepared by the Chinese restaurant.

Two of the affected individuals were hospitalized and are currently in stable condition. The remaining diners sought outpatient treatment or self-medicated for their symptoms, which included diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. One 33-year-old diner reported that he and his family members experienced severe symptoms that lasted nearly a week after their visit to the restaurant on April 18.

The SFA has suspended activities at the Thomson Plaza outlet from April 22 until further notice due to the "suspected ongoing transmission". The restaurant is required to clean and sanitize the premises, dispose of all ready-to-eat and perishable food items, and have all food handlers re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 1 and test negative for foodborne pathogens before they can resume work. The appointed food hygiene officer must also re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 3 before resuming their role.

Why this matters: Foodborne illnesses can have serious health consequences for affected individuals and can also lead to a loss of public trust in the food service industry. Strict adherence to food safety regulations and swift action by authorities are critical in preventing and containing such outbreaks.

In response to the incident, Peach Garden has taken immediate steps to deep clean the premises with the assistance of a professional cleaning company. The restaurant group stated that it will ensure the outlet is safe for dining when it eventually reopens. The SFA has reminded all food operators to observe good food and personal hygiene practices at all times and warned that it will take firm action against anyone found to be in violation of the Environmental Public Health Act.

Key Takeaways

• Peach Garden restaurant suspended after 43 diners contracted gastroenteritis.
• 2 hospitalized, others sought treatment for symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting.
• SFA suspended operations due to suspected ongoing transmission, requires cleaning.
• Food handlers must retrain and test negative before resuming work.
• Strict food safety regulations and swift action critical to prevent outbreaks.