The Edge restaurant, located on the third floor of Pan Pacific Hotel, has been suspended until further notice after 16 diners fell ill with gastroenteritis. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) are investigating six incidents of gastroenteritis that occurred between May 2 and 18, affecting a total of 16 people who ate at the restaurant.
Although none of the affected diners were hospitalized, they all sought outpatient treatment or self-medicated. The restaurant, known for its buffets, voluntarily took measures to address the issue, including deep cleaning the premises and screening the health of its food handlers. However, ongoing transmission is suspected, leading to the suspension of the restaurant’s food business operations from May 24.
To lift the suspension, the restaurant must take several steps, including cleaning and sanitizing the premises, disposing of all ready-to-eat and perishable food items, and ensuring that its food handlers re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 1 and test negative for food-borne pathogens. The appointed food hygiene officer must also re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 3 before resuming work in this role.
This incident is not an isolated one, as several well-known restaurants have been suspended in the past due to gastroenteritis cases. The Thomson Plaza outlet of Peach Garden was suspended for almost a month, while the first outlet of Burger & Lobster was suspended for over a month in 2022 and subsequently fined S$3,000. Even the patrons of Shangri-La Singapore, a luxury hotel, have not been spared from gastroenteritis, with The Line restaurant having its food hygiene grade lowered from “A” to “C” in December 2022.
The suspension of Edge restaurant serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety and hygiene in the food industry. Restaurants must take proactive measures to prevent the spread of food-borne illnesses and ensure the well-being of their customers. The authorities must also continue to monitor and enforce food safety regulations to protect public health.