Following findings of staff misconduct involving falsified expiry dates at 23 stores, Ministop has temporarily ceased sales of rice balls and deli items at 1,600 outlets in Japan. The company is conducting an emergency investigation and has apologized to customers.
Ministop Halts Rice Ball Sales Amid Expiry Date Falsification Scandal
Ministop Halts Rice Ball Sales Amid Expiry Date Falsification Scandal
Japanese convenience store chain Ministop suspends sales of onigiri and other deli items after staff were discovered faking expiry dates across multiple locations.
A significant food safety issue has emerged within the Japanese convenience store chain, Ministop, which has recently made the decision to halt the sale of rice balls (onigiri) and other deli items across 1,600 of its stores. This suspension comes in light of disturbing revelations that employees at 23 locations have been engaged in the falsification of expiry dates. Reports indicate that staff either delayed the application of expiry labels for up to two hours post-preparation or updated existing labels with misleading dates.
The misconduct was uncovered at stores located in several major cities, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. As a response, Ministop first paused the sale of onigiri on August 9 and subsequently extended the suspension to include additional deli offerings as the company initiated an "emergency investigation" to address the issue.
In an official statement, Ministop expressed regret over the disruption this incident has caused for patrons who rely on their handmade onigiri and bento boxes. The chain reassured its customers that, to date, there have been no reported health concerns stemming from the tampering with expiry dates.
Convenience stores, or konbini, play an integral role in the daily lifestyle of many in Japan, catering particularly to busy commuters seeking convenient and affordable meal options alongside everyday necessities. Onigiri, noted for its portability and range of fillings, is a favored choice for those requiring quick meals.
With more than 1,800 locations nationwide, Ministop distinguishes itself through a commitment to fresh food options, with many meals prepared on-site, contrasting with larger competitors in the market. This recent scandal raises questions about food safety protocols within the convenience store sector and the measures that will be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future.
