Nation

Catering Company Convicted After Major Food Poisoning Outbreak Linked to Cockroach Infestation

2025-07-02

Author: Siti

Catering Company in Hot Water Following Food Poisoning Incident

In a shocking case of negligence, catering firm Yunhaiyao has been found guilty after a serious food poisoning outbreak connected to ByteDance employees. The incident has raised significant health concerns and highlighted shocking lapses in food safety protocols.

Filthy Findings: Cockroaches and Contaminated Food

During an inspection by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), inspectors discovered over ten live cockroaches lurking in the establishment, particularly beneath a folded plastic mat. Even more alarming, the food prepared by Yunhaiyao, particularly their wok-fried diced chicken, was tainted with an astonishing 200,000 colony-forming units (CFU) per gram of Staphylococcus aureus, a staggering 2,000 times above the acceptable limit of under 100 CFU.

Gastroenteritis Outbreak Shakes ByteDance Employees

The outbreak unfolded on July 30, 2024, affecting 60 employees from ByteDance who suffered severe gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea after consuming the catered meals. This mass gastroenteritis incident has raised serious questions about food safety standards in catering services.

Legal Aftermath: Guilty Plea and Court Hearings

In a recent court appearance, Yunhaiyao's CEO, Lu Zhi Tao, pleaded guilty to charges under the Sale of Food Act and the Environmental Public Health Regulations. District Judge Janet Wang has called for further investigation into the extent of medical treatment required by the victims before passing judgment. Lu is set to return to court on July 17 for sentencing.

Public Outcry and Health Implications

This unsettling incident has ignited public outrage, prompting a widespread reevaluation of food safety regulations. With the well-being of consumers at stake, the SFA's actions are crucial in ensuring that such a breach of health safety does not happen again. Authorities aim to hold Yunhaiyao accountable, setting a precedent for strict compliance in the food industry.