Japan’s Ministop Halts Sales of Rice Balls Over Fake Expiry Dates

A significant quality control issue has emerged at Japan’s convenience store chain, Ministop, prompting the suspension of rice ball (onigiri) sales across 1,600 stores. This decision follows the discovery that staff at several locations manipulated expiry labels, either by delaying the application of labels or by falsifying dates after products had already been sold. The misconduct has been reported at 23 stores nationwide, including major urban centers like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

As of August 9, 2023, Ministop ceased the sale of onigiri at most of its outlets. The chain later expanded this suspension to other deli items in response to the ongoing “emergency investigation.” In a statement released on Monday, the company expressed its regret over the incident, apologizing for the “significant inconvenience” caused to customers who frequent its stores for handmade onigiri and bento boxes.

Investigation into Expiry Label Misconduct

The investigation revealed troubling practices, with some staff reportedly extending expiry dates by withholding labels for one to two hours after the products were prepared. In other cases, items were relabelled with incorrect dates after being placed on sale. Despite the severity of the situation, Ministop noted that there have been no reported health issues among customers at this time.

Convenience stores, known as konbini, play an integral role in daily life in Japan. They are particularly popular among commuters seeking quick, affordable meals and essential groceries. Onigiri, a staple of Japanese cuisine, is favored for its portability, often wrapped in nori (seaweed) and filled with various proteins like tuna salad or cod roe.

Ministop, which operates over 1,800 stores throughout Japan, distinguishes itself through a strong emphasis on fresh food, featuring hot meals prepared on-site. The current investigation raises questions about quality assurance practices within the chain and its commitment to customer safety.

As the investigation unfolds, customers and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Ministop addresses these serious lapses in food safety protocols. The company’s ability to restore consumer confidence will be crucial as it navigates the fallout from this incident.