Chicken Dish Causes Food Poisoning at ByteDance, Leading to Fine and Investigation

The wok-fried diced chicken dish prepared by Yunhaiyao was deemed unacceptable for ByteDance due to exceeding the permissible limits of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. This incident occurred because the dish failed to meet the quality standards required by the company.

Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as staph, is a bacterium that can lead to food poisoning. It produces toxins in improperly cooked or stored food. Poor hygiene among food handlers, such as not washing hands, can also contribute to contamination.

A sample of the chicken dish revealed a staphylococcus aureus count exceeding 200,000 colony-forming units per gram. Food safety regulations stipulate a maximum limit of fewer than 100 colony-forming units. The high pathogen count rendered the chicken "unsuitable for consumption," according to the SFA prosecutor, potentially causing gastroenteritis symptoms.

ByteDance had arranged a catered lunch for its employees on July 30th of the previous year. The meal, served at the One Raffles Quay canteen, included food from Yunhaiyao and another caterer. Following the meal, sixty individuals who consumed the food prepared by Yunhaiyao experienced symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting, necessitating medical attention at various hospitals.

The National Centre for Food Science confirmed that the chicken dish from Yunhaiyao was the likely source of the staphylococcus aureus food poisoning. A subsequent inspection of Yunhaiyao's food preparation premises revealed a cockroach infestation. More than ten live cockroaches were discovered beneath a folded plastic mat.

The SFA prosecutor requested a total fine of S$5,500 for Yunhaiyao, noting this was the company's first offense. However, the District Judge postponed sentencing, citing the need for more information regarding the extent of the harm caused. The judge highlighted the significant public interest in the case and requested details on the victims' injuries, medical interventions, hospitalizations, and related leave. Mitigation and sentencing were adjourned to July 17th.