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Two food outlets owned by Spize have their food hygiene grades downgraded from A to C after 15 people reportedly developed gastroenteritis symptoms, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said on March 11.

Those who fell ill had consumed food prepared at Spize @ Simpang Bedok from July 5 to 6, 2022.

A joint investigation by the Ministry of Health and SFA on Jul 10, 2022 revealed there were several hygiene lapses at both the food stall, Spize Continental Kitchen, and the food shop, Spize.

There were no hospitalisations.

SFA added that Spize's premises at Simpang Bedok would be kept under surveillance.

"SFA will be taking enforcement actions against the licensees for these lapses," the agency said.

"SFA has adjusted food hygiene grades of the food stall at 338 Bedok Road (Spize Continental Kitchen) and food shop at 284 Bedok Road (Spize) from 'A' to 'C' with effect from March 10, 2023, to be reviewed in 12 months."

"Food operators are reminded to adhere to good food hygiene and safety processes. Good hygiene practices such as the washing of hands before handling food can greatly reduce the incidence of gastroenteritis when adopted by all key stakeholders, including the industry and public," SFA added.

Not the first lapse

In 2018, an auxiliary police officer who consumed the food by Spize catered for a company event died eight days later from sepsis and multi-organ failure following acute gastroenteritis.

Another 63 people fell ill after eating food, with 45 hospitalised.

The Spize Restaurant at River Valley Road lost its licence in December 2018.

Spize and related company Spize Events were fined S$32,000 in December 2020 over the incident.

Top photo via Google Maps