Prima Deli chocolate cakes likely cause of food poisoning

Had you eaten their chocolate cakes lately?

Ministry of Health (MOH) & the Agri—Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) say these cakes are likely to contain a bacteria called Salmonella Enteriditis, which had caused 100 over people to get food poisoning last week.

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause symptoms such as fever, watery diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Onset of symptoms typically begins 6-72 hours after consuming contaminated foods. Illness usually lasts 4-7 days and most recover with no long-term health effects. Severe cases may require hospitalization for rehydration and/or antibiotic treatment. Anyone with symptoms after consuming these cakes should seek immediate medical attention.

106 people have so far reported getting food poisoning after eating the cakes. Six had to be hospitalised but have since been discharged. They tested positive for Salmonella Enteritidis.

The MOH was first notified of a food poisoning incident on 23 November. As more cases of food poisoning were reported, investigations showed that the common food item in the various incidents were Prima Deli chocolate cakes bought as early as 19 November. MOH and AVA conducted joint inspections of Prima Food Pte Ltd which produces the chocolate cakes for all Prima Deli retail outlets.

Prima Food has been told to stop the production of all chocolate cakes and to recall all these cakes from distribution and sale. Meanwhile, food handlers are being screened and investigations going on to determine the source of the contamination.

Till yesterday, Prima Deli retail outlets are still not open for business. With festive season around the corner, it's really a big hit on their sales.. Hope their Chinese New Year goodies is safe.