Discard Prima Deli
chocolate cakes: MOH, AVA
TODAYonline December 4, 2007
CUSTOMERS of Prima Deli have been advised by the authorities to
throw away the bakery's chocolate cakes, after at least 106 people
came down with food poisoning.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) was first notified of a food poisoning
incident on Nov 23. As more were reported, investigations showed
"that the common food item between the various incidents were Prima
Deli chocolate cakes purchased as early as Nov 19", said a joint
statement by the MOH and the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority
(AVA).
So far, samples taken for analysis suggest the bacteria salmonella
as the likely culprit. Investigations are ongoing, said the
statement.
Prima Deli deputy general manager Pansy Wong told Today that all
production of the chocolate cakes which cost roughly $33 each --
had been stopped since Friday.
"We worked very closely with the MOH and the AVA, and found that
one of our China national workers was a carrier of the bacteria,"
said Ms Wong, adding that he had earlier passed the required
medical check-ups. "We are planning to disinfect the factory in the
next couple of days. The worker has been quarantined."
Symptoms caused by salmonella include fever, diarrhoea, vomiting
and abdominal pain. Of the 106 cases of food poisoning, six were
hospitalised and discharged, as at Dec 3.
For enquiries, call the MOH at 1800-225 4122 or the AVA at 1800-
226 2250. More information is at www.moh.gov.sg.
http://www.todayonline.com/pda/225581ag.htm
