Fifty-three people, including 51 children, developed gastroenteritis symptoms after consuming food supplied by Deli Hub Catering at two Ministry of Education (MOE) kindergartens, prompting an immediate suspension of the caterer’s food business operations starting Oct 27.
The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA), Singapore Food Agency (SFA), and MOE announced the joint suspension in a statement issued on Oct 27. The affected individuals reported falling ill between Oct 21 and Oct 23 after eating meals prepared by the caterer, which was engaged by the Kindergarten Care (KCare) operator serving MOE Kindergarten @ Springdale in Sengkang and MOE Kindergarten @ Gongshang in Tampines.
Joint Investigation Launched Into Taman Jurong Facility
As of Oct 26, the outbreak had impacted 51 pupils and two employees across the two school locations. Authorities confirmed that none of the affected individuals required hospitalisation; instead, they sought outpatient treatment, self-medicated, or recovered without medical intervention. Both kindergartens have ramped up precautionary measures, including deep cleaning and disinfecting affected areas.
The KCare operator has secured an alternative food supplier for both schools while the suspension remains in effect until further notice. Deli Hub Catering, situated in Taman Jurong, must thoroughly clean and sanitise its premises, equipment, and utensils. All kitchen staff must re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 1 and test negative for food-borne pathogens before returning to work, while the appointed food hygiene officer must re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 3.
Did You Know? Established in 2004, Deli Hub Catering operates as the halal catering division of food solutions company Neo Group.
Deli Hub Catering faces second penalty for hygiene failures
This suspension marks the second time regulatory authorities have penalized Deli Hub Catering for food safety failures. In 2023, the company received a $4,000 fine for hygiene lapses following a December 2022 incident where 21 people fell ill with gastroenteritis. A joint investigation by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and SFA at that time revealed a dirty freezer, unclean food preparation containers, and empty paper towel dispensers.
The latest outbreak coincides with other recent food safety inquiries across Singapore schools in 2026. In January, authorities investigated 147 suspected gastroenteritis cases involving pupils at North View Primary School in Yishun, where one student was briefly hospitalised. Later, on July 29, catering firm Gourtmetz faced six charges under the Sale of Food Act following a January incident involving 60 students at River Valley Primary School.
Timeline of suspension and cleaning requirements for Deli Hub Catering
When did the Deli Hub Catering suspension take effect?
The suspension took effect on Oct 27 and will remain in place until further notice, according to the joint statement from the CDA, SFA, and MOE.
How many people were affected across the two kindergartens?
A total of 53 people fell ill, comprising 51 pupils and two employees who developed gastroenteritis symptoms between Oct 21 and Oct 23.
What steps must Deli Hub Catering complete before resuming operations?
The company must clean and sanitise its Taman Jurong premises, equipment, and utensils. All food workers must pass the Food Safety Course Level 1 and test negative for food-borne pathogens, while the hygiene officer must pass the Food Safety Course Level 3.
What steps should institutional food suppliers take to prevent recurring hygiene lapses in school catering facilities?
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