In the good ol’ days, right before the beginning of the Heightened Alert phase, we were still enjoying several months of dining in wherever we liked.
And, you know, you can never take away a Singaporean’s innate love for food.
So on the weekend before every eatery in the country prepared to bid farewell to dine-in customers for the second time since the Circuit Breaker, you bet many flocked to their favourite one.
Unfortunately for customers of this well-known noodle stall, however, COVID-19 wasn’t the only outbreak they had to worry about.
Eng’s Wantan Noodle Back After Suspension
A household brand name when it comes to delicious wanton noodles, Eng’s Wantan Noodle found themselves in piping hot (wanton) soup following an outbreak of gastroenteritis originating from their eatery.
68 customers had come forward to report contracting gastroenteritis after eating at the 287 Tanjong Katong Road outlet between 14 and 17 May, right before dine in ceased on the 16th.
Thankfully, none of those who fell ill were hospitalised; most sought outpatient treatment, self-medicated, or recovered on their own.
As a result, the eatery was forced to shut its doors from 18 May to 28 June to undergo checks and revision of procedures.
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) then announced in a statement on Monday that the eatery would be allowed to reopen for business starting today (29 Jun).
Investigations regarding the causes of the gastroenteritis outbreak are still ongoing.
Since Eng’s Wantan Noodles has “implemented the required measures as stipulated by SFA,” they were granted permission to reopen.
Complied With SFA’s Measures
Food safety is taken really seriously here in Singapore, so if there’s even the slightest suspicion of unhygienic food practices, eateries will have to answer to the SFA if they want to see their stalls open again.
During the month-long suspension period, Eng’s Wantan Noodle had to dispose of all ready-to-eat, thawed and perishable food items as part of SFA’s regulations.
All equipment, utensils, and the entire place had to be sanitised and cleaned as well.
Additionally, staff who are involved in handling and preparing food had to retake and pass the Basic Food Hygiene course once again.
Eng’s Wantan Noodle’s specified food hygiene officer was also retrained in the WSQ Conduct Food and Beverage Hygiene Audit course and has passed it.
All restaurants typically have an appointed food hygiene officer, who is usually a senior staff member who checks on food safety in between inspections by the SFA.
It seems like a hassle to have to retake a course you spent so long toiling for to get the job, but what’s done has to be done.
Another Eatery Under Eng’s Suspended For The Same Reason
Sadly for them, this isn’t the first time an establishment under Eng’s got into trouble because of gastroenteritis reports.
Eng’s Heritage at Northpoint City, who operates under the same company, saw their license suspended earlier in January for causing 26 people to contract gastroenteritis.
The agencies stated that Eng’s Wantan Noodle will be closely monitored from now on even after the reopening to ensure they adhere to strict food standards.
They also urged for the public to practice good hygiene, including washing their hands, covering their mouths when sneezing and coughing, and not sharing food with others.
If any unhygienic food practices are spotted at eateries, one should refrain from eating there and instead inform the authorities through SFA’s online feedback form, they added.
Feature Image: Google Maps