Singapore-based caterer Stamford Catering Services has been fined S$8,000 after a total of 182 people allegedly suffered gastroenteritis following two separate catering incidents linked to the company.
According to the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), multiple food safety lapses were uncovered during inspections carried out at the company’s premises in Senoko between October 2024 and February 2025.
The company was convicted in court on 20 May 2026 for offences committed under the Sale of Food Act (Non-Retail Food Business) Regulations.
160 People Fell Sick After October 2024 Incident
The first outbreak took place in October 2024, when 160 individuals reportedly developed gastroenteritis symptoms after consuming food prepared by Stamford Catering Services.
Following reports received by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and SFA, officers conducted a joint inspection at the caterer’s premises located at 24A Senoko South Road within the Select Group Building.
During the inspection, authorities discovered several hygiene and food safety issues. These included stagnant water found within the premises, dirty ceilings inside a walk-in chiller, and uncovered electrical sockets stained with food residue that could potentially harbour pests.
In response, SFA suspended Stamford Catering’s food business operations from 14 Oct to 29 Oct 2024 in the interest of public health. The company was only allowed to resume operations on 30 Oct after complying with corrective measures imposed by the agency.
The caterer was instructed to clean and sanitise its premises thoroughly, while food handlers had to retake and pass the mandatory Food Safety Course and test negative for foodborne pathogens.
Another Gastroenteritis Case Reported Months Later
However, Stamford Catering was again investigated just months later.
In February 2025, SFA received two further reports involving another 22 individuals who allegedly suffered gastroenteritis after eating food catered by the company.
A follow-up inspection revealed additional food hygiene concerns within the premises. Officers found dirty food warmers, drink dispensers, and ice-making machines, as well as filthy ceiling boards in the kitchen area.
Inspectors also observed brown stains dripping from an exhaust hood, raising further concerns over cleanliness and kitchen maintenance standards.
SFA subsequently directed Stamford Catering to rectify all lapses and improve hygiene conditions across its operations.
SFA Warns Food Operators To Maintain Hygiene Standards
In its statement, SFA stressed that food safety is a “joint responsibility” and reminded food establishments to maintain proper hygiene and food handling practices at all times.
The agency warned that it would continue taking enforcement action against operators who fail to comply with Singapore’s food safety regulations.
Under the law, offenders may face fines of up to S$5,000 for each offence, along with additional penalties for continuing violations.
Members of the public who encounter poor food hygiene practices are encouraged to report them through SFA’s official feedback channels.
Stamford Catering Previously Linked To 2019 Food Poisoning Incident
This is not the first time Stamford Catering has faced scrutiny over food safety concerns.
Back in 2019, 52 individuals reportedly suffered gastroenteritis symptoms after consuming food prepared by the same caterer, with one person requiring hospitalisation.
Investigations conducted by MOH and SFA at the time found high bacterial levels in both food and environmental samples, indicating poor hygiene and food handling practices.
Following that incident, Stamford Catering’s food hygiene grade was downgraded to a “C” rating for at least 12 months.