A prominent Chinese eatery chain, Yun Hai Yao, is currently facing legal action following a significant food poisoning event at ByteDance’s Singapore office in 2024. The incident affected 169 individuals and led to 17 hospitalizations. According to court documents, the company violated the Sale of Food Act and the Environmental Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations. Allegations suggest that a contaminated chicken dish supplied to ByteDance contained harmful bacteria. Additionally, unsanitary conditions were discovered at one of their outlets.
Details of the Food Poisoning Incident
In the vibrant city-state of Singapore, during the bustling month of July 2024, an unfortunate episode unfolded involving the renowned Chinese restaurant chain Yun Hai Yao. Known locally as Yun Nans, this establishment provided catering services for ByteDance's Singapore office located at One Raffles Quay. A chicken dish served on July 30 was found to contain coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium known for producing toxins that lead to severe gastrointestinal distress. Symptoms included sudden nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
Further investigations revealed alarming sanitary lapses at the Northpoint City outlet of Yun Hai Yao. Over ten live cockroaches were discovered beneath a plastic mat hidden behind a rack. These findings prompted the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) to impose strict penalties. The prosecutor requested a total fine of S$5,000 for the two charges against the company. CEO Lu Zhi Tao appeared in court, intending to plead guilty without legal counsel. Both Yun Hai Yao and another caterer, Pu Tien Services, faced temporary suspensions post-outbreak. While Pu Tien resumed operations by early August, Yun Hai Yao lifted its suspension six days later after implementing necessary sanitation measures.
This incident underscores the critical importance of maintaining high hygiene standards in food preparation and service. It serves as a stark reminder to all food establishments of their responsibility to ensure consumer safety. For consumers, it highlights the necessity of vigilance when choosing dining options. The case also emphasizes the crucial role regulatory bodies play in safeguarding public health through stringent oversight and enforcement actions.