A gastroenteritis outbreak has affected 185 individuals across six E-Bridge preschools in Singapore. The Communicable Diseases Agency, Singapore Food Agency and Early Childhood Development Agency announced on 21 Nov 2025 that 173 pupils and 12 employees developed symptoms after consuming food supplied by Middleton International School Pte Ltd.
One pupil was hospitalised and remains in stable condition. The rest sought outpatient treatment, self-medicated, or recovered without treatment.
Six Preschools Affected by Common Food Supplier
The affected centres are E-Bridge @ Bukit Panjang, E-Bridge @ Canberra, E-Bridge @ Montreal, E-Bridge @ Woodlands Drive, E-Bridge @ 471B Yishun and E-Bridge @ 504 Yishun.
All six preschools received meals from the same Tampines-based kitchen operated by Middleton International School.
Gastroenteritis is a medical condition involving inflammation of the stomach and intestines. People can contract the illness through contact with infected individuals or through contaminated food and water.
Food Operations Suspended, Mandatory Retraining Required
The Singapore Food Agency suspended Middleton International School’s food business operations at 2 Tampines Street 92 with effect from 21 Nov 2025 until further notice. The suspension requires the licensee to clean and sanitise all premises, equipment and utensils.
All food handlers working at the facility must re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 1 before resuming work. They must also test negative for food-borne pathogens before returning to their duties.
The appointed food hygiene officer must re-attend and pass the Food Safety Course Level 3 before resuming work. Alternative meal arrangements have been secured for the children to prevent disruption in meal provision.
Previous Gastroenteritis Cases at Other E-Bridge Branches
E-Bridge Pre-School has experienced gastroenteritis outbreaks at other branches in recent months. Between 9 Sep and 12 Sep 2025, 17 children and two employees from the Circuit Road branch developed symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea.
From 18 Sep to 1 Oct 2025, 20 pupils and four employees at E-Bridge Pre-School in Dawson Road developed gastroenteritis symptoms. The Sengkang Square branch reported 14 pupils and six employees with symptoms between 24 Sep and 1 Oct 2025.
The preschool chain currently operates 31 outlets in Singapore. E-Bridge previously clarified that meals at its Dawson Road and Sengkang Square branches are prepared in separate kitchens.
Preschool Implements Precautionary Measures
E-Bridge Pre-School stated on 21 Nov 2025 that the cause of the latest outbreak remains unconfirmed and investigations are ongoing. The operator has implemented precautionary measures across affected centres.
These measures include isolating affected classes for seven days and disinfecting high-touch surfaces multiple times daily. Temperature checks are conducted at least three times a day, and professional deep cleaning has been carried out.
Centre leaders and headquarters staff remain available to address parents’ concerns.
The Singapore Food Agency stated it will not hesitate to take firm action against breaches of the Environmental Public Health Act.
Here’s the REAL reason why everyone is hanging plushies on their bags, simplified for you:
