|
|
|
The outbreak of Salmonellosis linked to the
Prima Deli factory has ceased. There have been no new cases with
reported onset of illness following the factory closure on 4 Dec 07. |
|
To date, a total of 33 incidents involving
204 cases associated with the consumption of Prima Deli food items have
been identified. 15 cases were hospitalised, all of whom have been
discharged. |
|
Epidemiological investigations by MOH and
AVA have traced the source of the Salmonellosis outbreak to bacterial
contamination that occurred in the Prima Deli factory between 20 Nov and
1 Dec 07. |
|
Six factory food handlers and multiple food
samples taken from the cake and decoration area were found to be
positive for Salmonella Enteritidis. In addition, two factory food
handlers tested positive for Salmonella Group C and food samples showed
high bacterial and faecal coliform counts which were indicative of poor
food hygiene practices. |
|
The factory premises have since been subject
to a massive cleaning and disinfection exercise conducted by Prima
management. Foodhandlers who tested positive for Salmonella are
disallowed from engaging in the preparation of food until certified free
of the infection. They will be re-tested and can only return to work
when the results are negative. |
|
In the Prima Deli outlets, six food handlers
were tested positive for Salmonella, of whom three were positive for
Salmonella Enteritidis, two for Salmonella Group C and another for
Salmonella Group E. Cake samples from various outlets also tested
positive for Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Group C and high
bacterial counts. It is uncertain at which stage the cakes were
contaminated. All outlets have also been cleaned up. |
|
The results of AVA's inspection of Prima
Food Pte Ltd and environment swabs taken on 17 December 07 to monitor
the outcome of cleaning and disinfection were satisfactory. |
|
Prima Food Pte Ltd has submitted its
improved quality control programme and recall procedure that will be
implemented once the factory operations are resumed. The company will
continue to consult AVA on further improvements and enhancements to the
quality control programmes and recall procedure. |
|
AVA will allow the company to resume its
factory operations in two stages under supervision. |
|
With immediate effect, Prima Deli will
be allowed to produce food products that undergo high heat treatment
such as baked products and frozen dough to be baked in the outlets.
If there is no operational hygiene deficiency, full factory
operation may be resumed to produce the other products containing
ingredients not subjected to heat treatment such as cakes with
toppings . |
|
The public is advised to maintain good
hygiene practices, such as washing your hands with soap and water
frequently, especially after toilet visits, changing diapers and
before eating or preparing food. |
|
Members of the public can contact MOH at
1800-2254122 or AVA at 1800-2262250 if they have any enquiries. |
|
For further information on salmonellosis,
please visit MOH website at
www.moh.gov.sg. |
|
Source:
www.moh.gov.sg Press Release 21
Dec 2007 |
|
Related Article: |
|
-
MOH advise public to discard chocolate cakes from
Prima Deli |
|
 |
|
Important
Notice |
|
Our FrontPage
Editions are a historical record of our Web site and reflect
the changing of the times, and also of our Web site through
time. We do not and will not update the links and stories on
these FrontPages even if they have become obsolete. |
|
FrontPage Edition: Sat 22 December 2007
All rights reserved
