If you’re a Chinese living in Singapore, chances are, you’ve probably dined at Peach Garden at least once.
The top-rated Chinese restaurant has received numerous accolades and is well-loved by many locals, especially for their dim sum buffet and famous dishes such as peking duck.
For a reputable restaurant with so many awards and frequent patrons at its six outlets, you’d think that food poisoning wouldn’t occur.
Alas, more than 40 people found themselves experiencing symptoms of food poisoning after dining at the popular restaurant last week.
Diners Had Food Poisoning After Dining There On 17 And 18 April 2024
Peach Garden’s Thomson Plaza outlet has been suspended after 43 people experienced gastroenteritis symptoms.
Symptoms of gastroenteritis include abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Some of the causes of gastroenteritis are viruses, bacteria, bacterial toxins, parasites, particular chemicals and some drugs.
“Two were hospitalised and are in stable condition,” the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a media release on 24 April.
Those who were affected consumed food prepared by Peach Garden’s Thomson Plaza outlet on 17 and 18 April.
The authorities are investing eight cases of gastroenteritis.
The Thomson Plaza outlet has been temporarily closed since 22 April until further notice, in view of the “suspected ongoing transmission”.
Reviews On Google
Many of those who ate at Peach Garden at Thomson Plaza between 17 and 18 April shared their experiences online, saying they experienced fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and/or other symptoms after dining there.
One review mentioned that even after almost one week, three of the five in her party who got food poisoning have yet to recover.
Some also claimed the food was served cold.
Peach Garden at Thomson Plaza is temporarily closed for cleaning and sanitizing of the premises, including equipment and utensils. All ready-to-eat food and perishable food items are to be disposed, said SFA and MOH.
“SFA will not hesitate to take firm action against anyone found to be in violation of the Environmental Public Health Act,” the agency said.
All food handlers working at the Thomson Plaza outlet are required to re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 1 and test negative for foodborne pathogens before they can resume work.
The appointed food hygiene officer working at the restaurant must re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 3 before resuming his or her role.
In the meantime, members of the public concerned about food safety practices by food operators are advised not to patronise such outlets but to report to SFA via the online feedback form.