Ministop, a convenience store chain in Japan, already has over 1,800 of those convenience stores with electric vehicle outlets. Starting from August 9, they have voluntarily ceased sales of their signature onigiri rice balls. The company announced the move after employees were filmed changing expiration dates on food products. This misconduct prompted PCC to recall all their deli products for an investigation.
A scandal has recently erupted, and with it, serious concerns about our food safety have grown. Inspectors revealed the defect at 23 Ministop locations in large urban areas including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Some workers have been caught recently changing expiry dates. They accomplish that by delaying the addition of warning labels to food products until one or two hours after they’ve cooked them. This led to customers inadvertently buying donuts that were not at their maximum freshness date.
In response to these alarming results, Ministop has responded by stopping onigiri sales. They’ve since suspended similarly misleading deli items nationwide, pending an emergency investigation. It’s clear that the company is taking these unprecedented measures to protect the integrity of its food offerings and begin to regain customer trust.
“We sincerely apologise for the significant inconvenience caused to our customers who have supported Ministop’s handmade onigiri and handmade bento boxes,” – Ministop
The abuse has resulted in a major backlash, with newly enraged customers taking to the internet to discuss their outrage. The company is focused on understanding what exactly went wrong. Now it is their turn to act and ensure that such an event never happens again.
Ministop’s change of heart comes as public outcry over food safety standards in Japan continues to grow. This announcement follows a string of headlines that have placed other major food retailers in hot water. While the investigation continues, the company seeks to calm customers’ fears and prove its dedication to quality and safe practices.