Stamford Catering Services Pte Ltd fined $8,000 for food safety lapses

1. Stamford Catering Services Pte Ltd was fined $8,000 by the Court today for food safety offences committed under the Sale of Food Act (Non-Retail Food Business) Regulations.

2. In October 2024, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) received reports of a gastroenteritis outbreak affecting 160 individuals who had consumed food catered by Stamford Catering Services Pte Ltd ("Stamford Catering"), located at 24A Senoko South Road, #01-01, Select Group Building, Singapore 758099. A joint inspection of Stamford Catering’s premises was subsequently conducted by MOH and SFA officers, during which several food safety lapses were identified, including stagnant water within the premises, dirty ceiling of a walk-in chiller, and electrical sockets found without covers which had food stains and could potentially harbour pests. In the interest of public health, SFA suspended Stamford Catering’s food business operations between 14 and 29 October 2024.  The suspension was lifted on 30 October 2024 as the licensee had implemented the required measures as stipulated by SFA.

3. In February 2025, SFA received another two reports of alleged gastroenteritis incidents involving 22 individuals who had consumed food catered by Stamford Catering Services Pte Ltd. Food safety lapses were found during SFA’s inspection of Stamford Catering Services' premises. These included a dirty food warmer, drink dispenser and ice maker, dirty ceiling boards at the kitchen area, as well as brown stains dripping from the exhaust hood. SFA directed the licensee to rectify the lapses and take necessary measures to improve cleanliness of its premises.

The food safety lapses detected include stagnant water found outside the walk-in chiller (left), dirty ceiling boards (centre) and dirty food warmer (right) (Photos: SFA)

4. 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 the regulatory measures are in place and properly enforced, the industry and consumers should also play their part.

5. Food establishments should ensure their premises are clean and well-maintained, as well as adhere to proper food hygiene and food safety requirements. SFA will not hesitate to take enforcement action against food operators who do not adhere to food safety regulations. Offenders are liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $100 for everyday or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.

6. Members of the public who come across poor food safety 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.