Japan Chain Halts Rice Ball Sales Over Fake Expiry Dates

Industry Insights from Next Move Strategy Consulting

A Japanese convenience store chain has halted sales of rice balls (onigiri) and other deli products at 1,600 outlets after discovering that staff had falsified expiry dates.

Japanese Convenience Store Chain Probes Expiry Date Falsification

Ministop revealed that staff at several outlets manipulated expiry dates on food products. In some cases, employees delayed attaching labels by one to two hours after preparation, while others replaced existing labels with false dates after the items were displayed for sale.

The misconduct was uncovered at 23 stores nationwide, including in major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. As a precaution, the chain suspended onigiri sales at most outlets from 9 August, later extending the suspension on Monday to include other deli items while it conducts an “emergency investigation.”

Ministop Issues Apology Over Food Labeling Scandal

In a statement released on Monday, Ministop expressed deep regret, saying, “We sincerely apologize for the considerable inconvenience caused to our customers who have supported our handmade onigiri and handmade bento boxes.”

The company further noted that, to date, no health-related issues have been reported by customers.

Role of Convenience Stores and Onigiri in Japan

Integral to Daily Life: Convenience stores, or konbini, are deeply woven into Japan’s daily routine, serving as quick stops for affordable meals, groceries, and even basic banking services, particularly for busy commuters.
Onigiri as a Popular Choice: Rice balls, or onigiri, are especially favored for their portability and convenience. Wrapped in nori (dried seaweed) and filled with proteins such as tuna salad or cod roe, they are a go-to grab-and-go meal.
Ministop’s Market Presence: With more than 1,800 outlets nationwide, Ministop distinguishes itself from larger chains by emphasizing freshly prepared food, including hot meals made directly on site.

Conclusion:

The incident highlights the critical importance of maintaining transparency in Japan’s convenience store industry. As consumer trust is paramount, stricter monitoring and robust food safety testing measures will be essential to prevent such misconduct and ensure the long-term credibility of fresh food offerings.

Source: https: //www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7vlj3njzlpo

Prepared by: Next Move Strategy Consulting