Dozens of employees at the Singapore office of the popular social media app TikTok, owned by ByteDance, have fallen ill in a suspected case of mass food poisoning. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, resulted in at least 60 individuals experiencing symptoms of gastroenteritis, including cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Of those affected, 57 sought medical treatment at local hospitals.
In response to the incident, ByteDance has launched an investigation into the source of the food poisoning. According to The Straits Times, the company has stated that it uses external suppliers for its office canteen and that no food is prepared on-site. However, the Singapore Civil Defence Force, along with 17 ambulances, fire engines, and a mass decontamination vehicle, were all dispatched to the ByteDance offices.
A spokesperson for ByteDance told us, “We take the health and safety of our employees very seriously. We are investigating the matter and are working with the relevant authorities on this. We have also taken immediate steps to support all affected employees, including working with emergency services to provide care.”
The incident has also caught the attention of the Singapore Food Agency and Ministry of Health, who have issued a joint statement addressing the situation. “As of July 30, 2024, 60 individuals have reported developing symptoms of gastroenteritis, with 57 seeking medical attention in hospitals,” the statement read.
ByteDance, which was founded in China but has its headquarters in Singapore, has been in the news recently for its rapid growth and success in the social media industry. However, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety and the need for companies to ensure the well-being of their employees.
