60 people fall ill after mass food poisoning incident at TikTok’s Singapore HQ

SINGAPORE: An apparent food poisoning outbreak has hospitalised staff members from the Singapore office of ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok.

Health and food safety officials in the city-state are investigating the incident, which left 60 people with gastroenteritis symptoms on Tuesday (30 July). Fifty-seven of them required hospital treatment.

ByteDance stated it is investigating the cause of the outbreak.

According to local media reports, seventeen ambulances were dispatched to the building in Singapore’s business district to treat those who had fallen ill.

Those affected experienced symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) reported receiving multiple calls for medical assistance at One Raffles Quay around 3.15 pm, prompting the dispatch of 17 ambulances.

An SCDF spokesperson said: “We immediately provided first aid and transported those in need to the hospital.”

The affected employees were taken to various hospitals for further treatment, while the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) investigating the cause of the food poisoning.

In response to queries from The Straits Times, a ByteDance spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to the health and safety of its employees, stating they have taken immediate steps to support those affected, including coordinating with emergency services.

“We are investigating the matter and are working with the relevant authorities,” said the spokesperson.

According to CNA, ByteDance informed its employees that staff members at the One Raffles Quay office fell ill after visiting a canteen on the 26th floor.

The buffet section at the canteen is closed until investigations are complete.

“We are taking this incident very seriously and are working closely with local authorities and caterers to identify the cause as soon as possible,” ByteDance added.

The company’s announcement mentioned that “ongoing medical support assistance” is currently being offered to those affected, reported CNA.