TikTok HQ staff hit by mass food poisoning outbreak

Dozens of workers at TikTok-owner ByteDance's office in Singapore have fallen ill in a mass food poisoning incident.

At least 60 people developed gastroenteritis symptoms - which include cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting - with 57 of them seeking hospital treatment.

ByteDance told Sky News it is investigating the incident.

Seventeen ambulances, fire engines, a mass decontamination vehicle and Singapore Civil Defence Force were sent to the ByteDance offices, The Straits Times reported.

Sky News understands ByteDance uses external suppliers in its office canteen and no food is prepared on-site.

"We are investigating the matter and are working with the relevant authorities on this," a ByteDance spokesperson told Sky News.

"We take the health and safety of our employees very seriously."

They added the company had "taken immediate steps to support all affected employees, including working with emergency services to provide care".

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In a joint statement sent to CNBC, part of Sky's US partner network NBC News, the Singapore Food Agency and Ministry of Health said they were investigating suspected gastroenteritis cases on Tuesday.

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

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ByteDance was founded in China but has its headquarters in Singapore.