The cause of a food poisoning outbreak in 10 pre-schools last month in Singapore, which affected over 270 people, has been traced to Salmonella Enteritidis.

It was found in the seafood marinara pasta supplied by Mum’s Kitchen.

The organism is not native to seafood but is commonly found in items such as poultry and eggs.

Mum’s Kitchen was the caterer for eight of Pat’s Schoolhouse’s preschools, the Children’s Place at Kay Siang Road and Learning Visions at Raffles Place.

In a joint statement, the Health Ministry and National Environment Agency said there might have been cross-contamination of the pasta with raw food during preparation at the caterer’s premises.

Interviews with food handlers indicated that the same trays were used to hold raw and cooked foods.