Edge buffet restaurant at Pan Pacific Hotel closed after 16 guests fell ill

SINGAPORE: Dining at the Edge buffet restaurant in the Pan Pacific Hotel has been suspended after 16 guests fell ill.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said on Saturday (May 25) that they are investigating six cases of gastrointestinal illness. A total of 16 people fell ill between May 2 and 18 after eating food prepared in the restaurant.

“Those affected either sought outpatient treatment or took medication themselves. No one was admitted to hospital,” the authorities said.

The restaurant initially received feedback from guests exhibiting symptoms of gastrointestinal flu and took measures such as health screenings of food-handling staff and thorough cleaning of the premises.

Given the suspicion of ongoing transmission of the disease, the SFA has suspended Edge’s food operations from May 24 until further notice.

“The licensee is required to clean and disinfect the premises, including equipment and utensils, and dispose of all ready-to-eat and perishable food items,” MOH and SFA said in a joint press release.

All food handlers working on site must re-take and pass the Level 1 Food Safety Course and test negative for foodborne pathogens before returning to work.

The appointed Food Hygiene Officer must re-attend and pass the Level 3 Food Safety Course before resuming work.

An image circulating online showed an email from Pan Pacific Dining Privileges informing members that Edge Restaurant would have to remain closed due to “unforeseen circumstances” and apologizing for any inconvenience.

“Food safety is a shared responsibility. The SFA would like to remind food operators to always follow good food and personal hygiene practices,” the authority said.

“The SFA will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone who violates the Environmental Public Health Act.”