Singapore caterer fined S$8,000 after repeated food safety lapses linked to illness outbreaks
Stamford Catering Services was fined S$8,000 after repeated food safety lapses linked to gastroenteritis outbreaks affecting more than 180 people between 2024 and 2025, prompting inspections and temporary suspension by Singapore authorities.
- Stamford Catering Services was fined S$8,000 over repeated food hygiene and safety breaches.
- More than 180 people reportedly fell ill after consuming catered food in separate outbreaks.
- Authorities warned food operators they would face enforcement action for violating safety regulations.
SINGAPORE: Stamford Catering Services was fined S$8,000 on 20 May 2026 after repeated food safety lapses linked to gastroenteritis outbreaks that affected more than 180 people over two years, according to the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).
The enforcement action followed separate incidents in 2024 and 2025 involving catered food prepared by the company at its premises in Senoko South Road.
The SFA said the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the agency first received reports in October 2024 of a gastroenteritis outbreak involving 160 individuals who had consumed food catered by Stamford Catering Services.
A joint inspection by MOH and SFA officers was subsequently conducted at the company’s premises at 24A Senoko South Road.
Food safety breaches uncovered
Authorities said several hygiene and food safety lapses were identified during the inspection.
These included stagnant water within the premises, a dirty ceiling inside a walk-in chiller, and uncovered electrical sockets stained with food residue that could potentially harbour pests.
Following the findings, SFA suspended Stamford Catering’s food business operations from 14 October 2024 to 29 October 2024.
The suspension was lifted on 30 October 2024 after the company implemented the required corrective measures.
However, further concerns emerged months later.
Repeat lapses uncovered in 2025
In February 2025, SFA received two additional reports of suspected gastroenteritis incidents involving 22 people who had consumed food catered by Stamford Catering.
Subsequent inspections again uncovered hygiene-related lapses at the caterer’s premises.
According to SFA, officers found a dirty food warmer, drink dispenser and ice maker, as well as dirty ceiling boards within the kitchen area.
Brown stains dripping from the exhaust hood were also discovered during the inspection.
Authorities instructed the caterer to rectify the lapses and improve overall cleanliness standards at the premises.
Previous food poisoning incident
The company had previously faced food safety scrutiny in 2019 after a food poisoning incident affected more than 50 people.
Following that incident, Stamford Catering’s food hygiene grade was downgraded to “C”.
Joint inspections conducted by MOH and SFA at the time found a high bacterial load in food and environmental samples collected from the premises.
Inspectors also identified poor housekeeping practices involving kitchen appliances and food preparation equipment.
SFA issues warning to operators
“Food safety is a joint responsibility, as food can be contaminated anywhere along the food chain,” SFA said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
The agency said it remained vigilant and continued working to ensure food safety regulations were properly enforced across the industry.
“Food establishments should ensure their premises are clean and well-maintained, as well as adhere to proper food hygiene and food safety requirements,” SFA added.
The agency also warned that it “will not hesitate to take enforcement action against food operators who do not adhere to food safety regulations”.
Members of the public who observe poor food safety practices at food establishments were advised not to patronise such businesses.
Under Singapore law, offenders convicted of food safety violations may face fines of up to S$5,000, with additional penalties of up to S$100 for every day the offence continues after conviction.
