At least 60 people ill after mass food poisoning case at Singapore ByteDance office

SINGAPORE: At least 60 people fell ill after a major food poisoning incident at the office of TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance on Tuesday (July 30).

In response to queries by The Straits Times, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and Ministry of Health (MOH) said they are investigating the suspected gastroenteritis cases reported at ByteDance’s office at One Raffles Quay.

As at July 30, 57 of the 60 people who developed gastroenteritis symptoms have sought medical attention in hospitals, the authorities said in a joint statement.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) earlier said it received multiple calls for medical assistance at One Raffles Quay at about 3.15pm.

SCDF said the affected people experienced symptoms of abdominal pain and vomiting, and were taken to hospitals, which included Singapore General Hospital, Tan Tock Seng Hospital and Raffles Hospital.

They had earlier consumed food from the same source, it added.

SCDF set up a first-aid point at One Raffles Quay and assessed other individuals who were experiencing the same symptoms.

All SCDF personnel and emergency vehicles have since returned to their respective fire stations and fire posts.

A ByteDance spokesperson said in response to The Straits Times’ queries: “We take the health and safety of our employees very seriously and have taken immediate steps to support all affected employees, including working with emergency services to provide care.

“We are investigating the matter and are working with the relevant authorities on this.”

ST understands that ByteDance engages licensed external vendors to cater food within its office premises.

Said SFA and MOH: “Food safety is a joint responsibility. While SFA puts in place and enforces the regulatory measures, food operators must play their part by adhering to good food safety practices.”

When ST arrived at the scene at around 6.45pm, at least 30 SCDF personnel, two fire engines, a mass decontamination vehicle and an ambulance were still present.

Multiple people were being treated by SCDF paramedics at the building’s South Tower lobby.

A man who works on the building’s 16th floor told ST that he noticed the police and SCDF’s presence at about 5pm.

He initially thought a fire had broken out but later learnt it was a food poisoning incident.

“I didn’t think it was so serious at first, but (then) I saw a few ambulances,” said the man, who declined to be named.

This is the second major incident of food poisoning within a week.

A total of 165 SCDF personnel fell sick on July 23 and 24 at the Civil Defence Academy campus in Jalan Bahar. – The Straits Times/ANN