Lifting of the closure of the “Edge” restaurant in the Pan Pacific Hotel after gastrointestinal cases

SINGAPORE: Edge restaurant at Pan Pacific Hotel was allowed to resume operations on Thursday (June 27) after being closed for a month due to reports of gastrointestinal illnesses.

The suspension, which came into effect on May 24, was lifted after the restaurant met food safety requirements, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) said.

Thirty-nine people fell ill between May 1 and May 23 as a result of eating food prepared at the restaurant, according to figures released by authorities on Thursday. One of them was hospitalized and has since been discharged.

It had previously been reported that between May 2 and 18, 16 guests fell ill after eating there.

MEASUREMENTS TAKEN

During the suspension, the restaurant disposed of all ready-to-eat food, thawed food and perishable food, MOH and SFA said in a joint press release.

In addition, the premises, including equipment and utensils, were cleaned and sanitized, and food preparation surfaces, tables and floors were disinfected.

Employees who handle food have re-attended and passed the Level 1 Food Safety Course. The food hygiene officers have also re-attended and passed the WSQ course “Conducting hygiene audits for food and beverages”.

The SFA will continue to keep the Edge restaurant “under close observation to ensure it complies with food safety requirements”.

The agency is also currently reviewing the results of investigations into the gastroenteritis outbreak and said it would “not hesitate to take enforcement action” if food manufacturers are found to be violating environmental protection regulations.

Anyone convicted of this offence will face a maximum fine of S$2,000 (US$1,474). If the offence is repeated after conviction, an additional fine of up to S$100 per day may be imposed.

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