The July 30 food poisoning incident at the Singapore office of ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, has been officially linked to catered food, according to the Singapore Food Agency (SFA). This case, deemed one of the most significant food safety lapses in recent years, led to 130 reported cases of gastroenteritis symptoms, with 57 individuals requiring hospital treatment.
Following a thorough investigation, the SFA announced that enforcement actions would be taken against those responsible for the food safety breaches. Although the agency has not disclosed the specific measures or parties involved, it emphasized its commitment to ensuring accountability and improving food safety standards.
Key Findings of the Investigation
The incident took place at ByteDance’s office in One Raffles Quay, where food was catered by Yun Hai Yao (operator of Yun Nans restaurants) and Pu Tien Services (associated with the Putien restaurant chain). Both caterers were instructed by the SFA to dispose of all prepared, thawed, and perishable food items immediately after the incident to prevent further risks.
Although Pu Tien successfully appealed to retain specific food items for further testing, no food safety concerns were identified from these samples.
SFA’s Immediate Measures:
- Suspended operations at Yun Hai Yao (Northpoint City) and Pu Tien Services (Senoko South Road).
- Mandated complete cleaning and disinfection of food preparation facilities, equipment, and surfaces.
- Required food handlers to re-attend and pass a certified food safety course.
- Lifted suspensions only after compliance with all corrective measures.
Impact on ByteDance Staff
The food poisoning outbreak affected a significant number of ByteDance employees who dined at the office canteen on the 26th floor. ByteDance clarified that it engages licensed external caterers, and no food is prepared onsite. Despite the caterers’ assurances that their food met safety standards, the outbreak highlighted vulnerabilities in the catering and food handling processes.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) and SFA confirmed that catered food was the root cause of the illnesses, emphasizing the importance of stringent food safety practices.
Reactions from Caterers
Pu Tien Services defended its practices by stating that independent lab tests found no traces of common foodborne bacteria such as listeria or salmonella in its food samples. Yun Hai Yao has not publicly commented on the findings.
Both companies have since implemented enhanced food safety measures, including facility sanitization and retraining food handlers, to prevent recurrence.
Enforcement and Penalties
Under Singapore’s food hygiene regulations, any breach can result in fines of up to S$2,000 per offence. Additional penalties include a daily fine of up to S$100 for continued non-compliance post-conviction. While these penalties may seem modest compared to the scale of the incident, the reputational damage to the caterers could have longer-term implications.
The SFA has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on food safety lapses, promising stricter oversight and enforcement to uphold public health standards.
Lessons and Next Steps
The ByteDance incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of food safety in Singapore, particularly for large-scale catering operations. Businesses are encouraged to:
- Regularly audit food preparation processes and hygiene practices.
- Ensure all food handlers are trained and certified.
- Maintain transparency and cooperate with authorities during investigations.
The SFA has assured the public that it will continue monitoring food establishments closely and take preemptive measures to safeguard public health.
