SINGAPORE: On 18 February 2025, approximately 20 students from the Singapore School of the Arts (SOTA) are allegedly affected by food poisoning symptoms after consuming ready-to-eat meals developed by local food supplier SATS. The students exhibited symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea on 18 Febfollowing consumption of the meals, which were part of the “Singapore Together” Total Defence Exercise.

The meals, specifically designed for national emergencies and distributed as part of the exercise, were intended to simulate scenarios involving power outages and food supply disruptions. SATS, the supplier behind the ready-to-eat meals, produces a range of options that can be eaten at room temperature without the need for refrigeration or reheating, with a shelf life of up to eight months.

The affected students reportedly consumed the chicken bolognese dish. Following the incident, the vice-president of the Faculty of Arts confirmed the occurrence in an email to students on 19 February. The email stated that the incident is under investigation, and the school is taking precautionary measures by recalling any remaining uneaten meals. Students who still had their lunches were advised to return them to the school office, while those who had taken them home were asked to bring the meals back the following day.

SOTA also urged any students feeling unwell to seek medical attention and notify their class tutors. An ...