SINGAPORE: Food company Yunhaiyao is in the spotlight after being fined S$7,000 over a mass food poisoning incident that affected 171 employees at tech giant ByteDance. The incident, which occurred on 30 July 2024, left many feeling unwell and raised questions about food safety regulations in the country.
Details of the Incident
The catered meal, featuring a wok-fried diced chicken dish, contained staphylococcus aureus bacteria at alarming levels—over 2,000 times the acceptable limit. Out of the 171 victims, 60 were sent to hospitals, with 22 requiring admission for one to three days, while others sought outpatient treatment or handled their symptoms at home.
Legal Proceedings
- Yunhaiyao pleaded guilty to two charges:
- Under the Sale of Food Act for selling food that did not meet quality demands.
- Under the Environmental Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations due to a cockroach infestation at their Northpoint City outlet.
District Judge Janet Wang described the number of affected individuals as “staggering” and emphasised the fortunate absence of fatalities. Investigations revealed that Yunhaiyao’s first foray into corporate catering had been marred by lapses in hygiene practices.
Consequences for Yunhaiyao
Following these revelations, the company has shut down its Northpoint City outlet and suspended its corporate catering business in Singapore. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) mandated that Yunhaiyao dispose of contaminated food, clean their facilities, and ensure food handlers receive proper safety training.
Public Reaction
The fine has prompted public outcry, with many feeling that it was insufficient given the potential harm caused. Legal experts have pointed out that food businesses bear a greater responsibility and have stressed the need for stricter penalties to deter negligence.
Seeking More Stringent Regulations
Advocates for food safety argue that current fines—such as the S$7,000 levied on Yunhaiyao—may not adequately reflect the seriousness of public health risks in the food industry. There have been calls for legislative amendments to align penalties more closely with those seen in workplace safety cases, suggesting that harsher measures might be necessary to ensure compliance among food service operators.
As Singapore continues to advance its food safety standards, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper hygiene practices in the catering industry. Moving forward, stricter enforcement and penalties may be vital for protecting public health.