Singapore Security Officer Joins 49 Ill Counterpart After Catering Mishap
During a lively Deepavali celebration on November 6, a SATS Singapore officer ended up in the ICU after munching on catered food from the popular Spize restaurant. The officer has been reported to be in a critical condition, with both lungs and kidneys showing signs of trouble.
Why the Incident Gained Attention
In total, 49 people fell ill after eating Spize dishes, and 21 of them were hospitalized. The River Valley outlet of Spize, which supplied 88 bento sets for the event, saw its license suspended last Friday.
Event Details
- The festivities were organized by Brinks Singapore and held on their premises.
- Only one of the attendees was from the security company, the officer in question.
- Brinks spokesperson confirmed that several employees got sick after consuming the catered food and said the company is working closely with public health authorities.
Joint Health Investigation
The National Environment Agency (NEA), Ministry of Health (MOH), and Agri‑Food and Veterinary Authority released a statement last Friday. They said they were examining several cases of gastroenteritis linked to the restaurant at 409 River Valley Road.
- Investigations began on the day they were notified (November 7).
- Key hygiene lapses were found, such as:
- Ready‑to‑eat food left uncovered in a chiller.
- Faulty soap dispenser, leaving no soap for hand washing.
- Knives placed in the gap between food prep tables.
- The suspension will stay in place until NEA is satisfied that public health risks have been addressed.
Spize’s Response
Co‑owner Mr. Haresh Sabnani (41) took to Facebook to apologize. He announced the closure of the River Valley outlet and the disposal of all affected food items.
“We have immediately closed our River Valley outlet and will be disposing of all food items. The gravity of the situation is something we have never experienced before, and we seek your patience and understanding.”
He also confirmed that the 49 cases, including the officer now in the ICU, were already reported to the MOH.
Key Takeaways
- Spize’s catering service is under close scrutiny.
- Hospitalizations from the incident underscore the importance of strict food safety.
- Health authorities remain on high alert, ensuring that similar incidents don’t re‑occur.
