Catering company Gourmetz was charged with six food safety offences related to an incident in January 2023 when 60 pupils at River Valley Primary School suffered gastroenteritis after consuming its food [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The offences reportedly occurred on January 16 and 28 and include improper storage, false labelling, bacterial contamination, and poor premises cleanliness [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
On January 16, Gourmetz allegedly stored sauce in a stained blue thermal tub and raw marinated chicken on dirty trolleys and plastic pallets in the meat chiller room. Frozen pastries were left uncovered in the raw material freezer. Meals containing steamed chicken rice and garlic fried rice produced on this date tested positive for Bacillus cereus bacteria at levels exceeding permissible limits [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
On January 28, the company is accused of applying false labels stating meals were ready at 8:30 a.m. when actually packed at about 6:48 a.m., and continuing improper storage practices such as storing chicken on dirty pallets [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Most affected students recovered quickly without hospitalization, though four recuperated at home [4]. River Valley Primary is among 13 schools operating under a new central kitchen meal model, with Gourmetz running its canteen [4].
The Ministry of Education (MOE) said on July 30 it has increased oversight and reinforced food safety requirements for Gourmetz while ensuring school meal arrangements remain uninterrupted. MOE emphasized student safety as its priority and will continue close monitoring. “MOE and schools will continue to keep a close watch on Gourmetz’s food safety performance and work with the operator to ensure strict compliance with the Singapore Food Agency’s food safety requirements,” the ministry said [1, 2, 3, 5].
The Singapore Food Agency declined comment, citing the ongoing court case [1, 2, 3, 5]. Gourmetz’s next court hearing is set for August 19, where it may face fines if found guilty [4]. MOE did not disclose why Gourmetz remains a food provider to schools despite the charges or name the schools currently served by the company [1, 2, 3, 5].
