Singapore’s caterer Stamford Catering Services fined $6,200 for food safety lapses after 180 customers got sick

The Singapore Food Agency said in a statement Wednesday that it received reports in October 2024 of a gastroenteritis outbreak affecting 160 people who had consumed food catered by the company.

A joint inspection of Stamford Catering’s premises at 24A Senoko South Road by officers from the Singapore Food Agency and the Ministry of Health uncovered several food safety lapses.

The lapses included stagnant water within the premises, a dirty ceiling in a walk-in chiller, and uncovered electrical sockets stained with food residue that could potentially harbour pests.

Initial media reports had said 51 people fell ill and the caterer was under investigation over three gastroenteritis incidents.

None of those affected were hospitalized, with individuals either seeking outpatient treatment or self-medicating. Gastroenteritis symptoms include diarrhoea and vomiting.

The Singapore Food Agency said it suspended Stamford Catering’s food business operations for 15 days from Oct. 14, 2024.

In February 2025, the agency again received reports of alleged gastroenteritis incidents involving 22 people who had eaten food catered by the company.

Subsequent inspections uncovered further food safety lapses, including dirty food warmers, drink dispensers and ice makers, dirty ceiling boards in the kitchen area, and brown stains dripping from the exhaust hood.

Stamford Catering says on its website it has provided catering services for weddings, corporate functions and sporting events, including the 28th SEA Games in 2015.

In 2019, the company’s food hygiene grade was downgraded from “A” to “C” after 52 people suffered food poisoning, according to The Straits Times.