2 caterers suspended over ByteDance food poisoning incident, affecting 130 people

SINGAPORE: Two caterers were suspended in connection with a food poisoning incident at ByteDance’s office that affected 130 people, according to a joint statement from the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) issued on Wednesday (31 July) evening.

The authorities confirmed that the businesses involved are Yun Hai Yao Pte Ltd and Pu Tien Services Pte Ltd. The suspension began on 31 July and will remain in effect until further notice.

The incident, which occurred at the ByteDance office, resulted in 130 individuals suffering from gastroenteritis after consuming food provided by Yun Hai Yao and Pu Tien Services.

Of those affected, 17 were hospitalized and are now in stable condition, while the remaining individuals sought outpatient treatment, self-medicated, or recovered without any treatment.

Earlier reports indicated that over 60 staff members were hospitalized, and seventeen ambulances were dispatched to the scene.

The suspension of the two caterers was implemented due to the seriousness of the incident.

"Food safety is a joint responsibility. SFA would like to remind food operators to observe good food and personal hygiene practices at all times. "

"SFA will not hesitate to take firm action against anyone found to be in violation of the Environmental Public Health Act," the statement added.

Yun Hai Yao operates the Yun Nans restaurant chain. The suspension specifically affects the outlet at Northpoint City Mall in Yishun.

Pu Tien Services, the central catering kitchen for the Putien restaurant chain, is based at the Super Industrial Building at 2 Senoko South Road. According to the firm's website, the chain has 19 restaurants across Singapore.

During the suspension, both caterers are required to clean and sanitize their premises, including all equipment and utensils. Ready-to-eat and perishable food items must be disposed of.

Before resuming operations, all food handlers must retake and pass the Food Safety Course Level 1 and test negative for foodborne pathogens.

Additionally, the Food Hygiene Officer must retake and pass the Food Safety Course Level 3 to resume their role.

The Yun Nans outlet at Northpoint City was closed on Wednesday afternoon, around noon, according to Chinese media Shin Min Daily News. SFA officers were observed questioning employees, collecting evidence, and taking away ingredients.

Yun Nans’ CEO Tommy Lu informed Shin Min that the food delivered to ByteDance was prepared at their Northpoint City branch, which had been supplying ByteDance for about a month without prior issues.

Mr Lu noted that employees who consumed the same food did not experience any discomfort and mentioned that the affected individuals did not only consume food from Yun Nans. He added that other Yun Nans outlets would continue operations as usual.

Earlier, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) received multiple calls for medical assistance at One Raffles Quay around 3:15 pm on Tuesday.

A ByteDance spokesperson told The Straits Times that the company is committed to the health and safety of its employees and has taken immediate steps to support those affected, including coordinating with emergency services.

According to CNA, ByteDance informed employees that the illness occurred after visiting a canteen on the 26th floor of the office. The buffet section of the canteen has been closed pending investigation.

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