“””Food Poisoning Outbreak at MindChamps: 50 Affected and 4 Hospitalized in Tanglin Pre-School”” “

SINGAPORE – A significant food poisoning incident has affected 50 individuals at the MindChamps pre-school in Tanglin, resulting in four children being hospitalized for treatment. The outbreak comes shortly after a separate case at a MindChamps pre-school in Changi Airport, where 32 individuals fell ill.

According to reports, 45 students and five staff members exhibited symptoms consistent with food poisoning. One four-year-old girl was hospitalized for a week due to severe symptoms, including bloating and diarrhea, and required intravenous fluids for nourishment.

Ma Jingwen, the girl’s mother, recounted that she received a call from a teacher on May 25 informing her that her daughter was running a high fever. Upon checking her temperature, Ma discovered it had reached 40°C. She promptly took her daughter to the hospital, where she was admitted and treated for her condition, including receiving antibiotics and saline solutions.

Ma expressed her frustration over the pre-school’s handling of the situation, noting that they initially reported only nine children with similar symptoms, attributing the issue to stomach flu. Parents were only notified about the severity of the situation days later, leading Ma to question the school’s accountability for the wellbeing of their children.

She stated, “I hope that the pre-school can issue an explanation behind the food poisonings and compensate the parents. I also hope the pre-school issues an apology to parents.”

Another concerned parent reported that her daughter also fell ill with fever and diarrhea after attending the pre-school. The parent reached out to the school for better communication but received little response until she threatened to involve the authorities.

On May 28, the pre-school notified parents that since May 25, 45 children and five staff members had exhibited symptoms of food poisoning, with four children hospitalized. The school confirmed that the affected individuals were improving and some had already returned to class.

It is suspected that the illnesses stem from viral gastroenteritis, and the Singapore Food Agency is currently investigating both incidents.