Goodwood Park bakery suspended after 76 food poisoning cases
linked to durian pastries
The bakery's licence was suspended after 76 cases of food poisoning were linked to its durian pastries. The sign posted by the bakery included a typo; the bakery probably meant "inconvenience", rather than "convenience". ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
Zhaki Abdullah
Goodwood Park Hotel's bakery has had its food establishment licence suspended after 76 cases of food poisoning were linked to its popular durian pastries.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) and National Environment Agency (NEA) investigated after the first incident was reported on March 15.
The ministry inspected the bakery after a second incident was reported on April 4.
Joint investigations were conducted by the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA), MOH and NEA on April 13 after more incidents were reported.
Though lapses in food handling were discovered, there were no hygiene lapses or pests found. The AVA also did not find lapses in safety from food suppliers.
Stool samples from the affected parties as well as food handlers are currently being screened by MOH, and only handlers who have been certified medically fit will resume work after the bakery reopens.
All food handlers will also be required to retake and pass the Basic Food Hygiene course.
The hotel is required to clean and sanitise the bakery, including equipment, utensils, work surfaces and toilets, as well as rectify the identified food preparation lapses.
Goodwood Park Hotel has apologised to its guests and said it is cooperating with the agencies. "We would like to assure the public and all our guests that we treat all matters relating to food safety standards very seriously," it said in a Facebook post, adding that it is sourcing alternatives to the affected desserts from "reputable establishments".
Goodwood Park began offering durian desserts in 1983. Its durian- flavoured offerings have included puffs and cakes as well as seasonal treats like durian Christmas log cakes and mooncakes.
The latest news has shocked both patrons and food critics.
"Goodwood Park's durian pastries, especially the puffs, are dependably good and the hotel comes up with new offerings every year, so this comes as a real surprise," said Ms Tan Hsueh Yun, food editor for The Straits Times Life section.
Public relations executive and fan of Goodwood Park's pastries, Mr Jonathan Lim, 29, said he will give them another go if the licence is renewed, but added: "This is quite disappointing."
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Goodwood Park Hotel
21 hours ago
Media Statement
For Immediate Release
Singapore, 22 April 2016 – Goodwood Park Hotel would like to extend our sincere apologies to all our guests affected by the temporary cessation of sales of durian pastries and other pastries produced by the hotel’s pastry kitchen.
The hotel is cooperating closely with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and National Environment Agency (NEA) on the necessary actions, following the suspension of the hotel’s pastry production today, due to incidents concerning the consumption of durian pastries.
We would like to assure the public and all our guests that we treat all matters relating to food safety standards very seriously. We are addressing the food handling lapses in the durian pastry kitchen highlighted by NEA and aim to rectify them soonest possible.
During this period, the hotel will not be able to produce desserts for the following restaurants, namely Gordon Grill, L’Espresso, Coffee Lounge and Deli. We have sourced from reputable establishments for alternatives to replace the affected desserts.
Goodwood Park Hotel has had a good reputation for the past 33 years selling durian pastries, and we understand this suspension may cause some distress to our guests. We hope that they will give us a chance to restore their confidence in our usual high standards of quality of our pastries.