TikTok-Parent ByteDance's Singapore Office Hit By Mass Food Poisoning Incident, Affecting 60 Employees

ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has been hit by a mass food poisoning incident at its Singapore office. The outbreak has affected 60 employees, as confirmed by local authorities.

What Happened: The Singapore Food Agency and Ministry of Health are investigating suspected gastroenteritis cases at the office of the China-based tech behemoth, CNBC reported on Thursday.

“As of 30 July 2024, 60 individuals were reported to have developed gastroenteritis symptoms, of whom 57 have sought medical attention in hospitals,” the authorities said.

The Straits Times revealed that the Singapore Civil Defence Force dispatched personnel, ambulances, fire engines, and a mass decontamination vehicle to the premises after receiving calls for medical assistance. Affected individuals experienced symptoms such as abdominal pain and vomiting.

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A ByteDance spokesperson confirmed to CNBC that the company was aware of the situation and was working with the relevant authorities. The company has taken immediate steps to support all affected employees, including working with emergency services to provide care.

ByteDance reportedly confirmed that employees at its One Raffles Quay office fell ill after a visit to a “canteen” in the building. The buffet section at the canteen has been “closed until investigations are complete,” as per CNA reports.

Why It Matters: ByteDance’s Singapore office is a significant hub for TikTok and its CEO, Shou Zi Chew, is a third-generation Singaporean citizen. The short-video-sharing platform has faced scrutiny in the U.S. in recent years due to concerns about its ownership and ties to China. This incident comes at a time when ByteDance has been making significant strides in the tech industry.

ByteDance, along with Alibaba BABA, has been dominating the generative AI (GenAI) infrastructure services market in China. Additionally, last month, ByteDance was collaborating with U.S. chip designer Broadcom AVGO to develop an advanced AI processor amid U.S.-China tensions.

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This story was generated using Benzinga Neuro and edited by Pooja Rajkumari