Tung Lok Millennium fined $3,000 for E.coli contamination at CHIJMES event
The recent $3,000 fine imposed on Tung Lok Millennium, a subsidiary of Tung Lok Restaurants, has brought to light concerns about food safety in Singapore. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) discovered E.coli, a bacteria known to cause food poisoning, in a sample of ready-to-eat salad prepared at Tung Lok’s Tai Seng premises. This incident stemmed from a complaint about gastroenteritis at an event at CHIJMES, where Tung Lok had provided the food.
According to CNA, Tung Lok pleaded guilty to preparing unsafe food and also faced a charge for not properly maintaining and cleaning its premises. This is not the first time the restaurant has faced food safety issues, as back in 2018, they were warned by the National Environment Agency after 190 people fell ill from consuming their food.
In mitigation, a company representative stated that the contaminated salad was provided by a supplier, emphasizing that both parties share responsibility for food safety. The prosecutor highlighted the company’s poor compliance history and sought the $3,000 fine.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high food safety standards in the F&B industry. With penalties in place for repeat offenders, it is crucial for establishments to prioritize the safety of their customers.